Spotlight on Michael Misa

Misa was the second in the 2025 draft class (he was selected right after Schaefer, per ESPN) and Rotowire touts him as a "high-octane offensive forward." An impressive centerman, he was granted exceptional player status to enter the OHL a year early, placing him in an elite class of prospects (Wikipedia).

He's also been touted for a range of skills, including his skating, offensive versatility, transition and puck control, two-way game, and maturity and character. According to the NHL:

Winning the McGuire Award signaled that he is respected not just for performance but for how he carries himself.

However, unlike Matthew Schaefer, Misa is on a team that is currently struggling. At the time of writing, the Sharks have a lowly 28% Win Probability, and surely expectations are high for this young player. Beyond dealing with the pressure of a franchise that is re-building, his challenge will also be defensive responsibility, skating in tighter spaces, and adapting to the physical demands of pro hockey.

Before coming to the NHL, Misa had an impressive run in the OHL. Increasing his points attainment with each successive year – from 56 to 75 to 134 in his final year.

With high junior scoring totals, applying NHLe might suggest a projected NHL scoring rate in the neighborhood of 0.3–0.4 points per game in limited minutes early — meaning ~20–30 points in a 82-game season if fully healthy and earning consistent bottom-line minutes. But what we discover is the "other side" of the NHLe: where you end up can't possibly set you up for success.

The transition into the NHL will be critical for Misa. He'll need to knuckle down on his positional focus, physical development and translate his success in the OHL to the fast and cruel pace of the NHL. Not to mention the pressure on him will be significant.

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