Michael Misa vs Windsor 3/15/2025

With Michael Misa expected to compete for a roster spot with the San Jose Sharks this fall, it's a great time to look back at some of his performances in the OHL with the Saginaw Spirit and see what traits will translate and where Misa will need to continue to improve to make an impact in the NHL.

Michael Misa's stats from Saginaw's 6-5 shootout win:

1 goal, 1 assist, 4 SOG, 4 PIMS, 19/31 FOW, 1 shootout goal

Before we get to the observations on Misa, this was an insane game that saw Saginaw score two goals in the last five minutes to force overtime and then win it in a shootout.

Three Observations from Misa's Performance

Misa's Dog Per 60

Michael Misa has all the skills in the world; he wouldn't have been an exceptional status player, the first pick in the OHL draft, and the second overall pick in the NHL draft. But, much like Macklin Celebrini, Misa has that extra something.

The first part of the clip is Misa bullying 6'5" Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Protas. He hounds Protas, and as soon as Protas tries to turn around, Misa engages to take out Protas and start a 2-on-1 going the other way. Misa trails, reads the play is going back the other way, tracks back, and finishes his check.

Misa is as much an effort player as a skilled one. You rarely see him take a shift off and is constantly moving to try to get open when he doesn't have the puck. Even when knocked down, he still believes that he can make the play.

Misa, in the dirty area, basically gets tackled, but has the awareness to try still and tip a shot. He quickly gets up, wins the race, and then generates a shot on goal. The motor never quits with Misa.

On the penalty kill, which is mostly heart and hustle, Misa loses a board battle and falls. He quickly recognizes the play and gets his stick on the puck to block the shot, and then wins a battle to clear the puck. No player will win every battle, but how you respond to each one is essential. Misa's effort and recognition will make the difference as a young player working his way through the NHL.

Finding the Quiet Space

Playing with the puck is easier than playing without. Misa's maturity in his game is when he doesn't have the puck. Misa is one of those players who can easily play away from the puck. He's excellent at getting lost in the crowd and finding the quiet space.

Misa wins a faceoff, then does a great job of slipping between two defenders to get to the front of the net. While the pinching defender isn't able to complete the pass, these plays are winning ones that will lead to success in the NHL. Although Misa isn't the biggest prospect in the Sharks' system, his ability to get to the net and score goals is a different skill set, especially compared to Will Smith.

Misa's patience on the game-tying goal. Igor Chernyshov does the work to draw in the defense, but Misa is extremely patient. It would have been easy for him to try to get closer, but getting closer to the fray would have put the defense in a better position to defend him. He trusted Chernyshov to find him, and Misa buried the puck to tie the game.

Misa's ability to play off of other players is a skill that doesn't just happen. That comes from a high hockey IQ and knowing where everyone on the ice is at any given time. He trusts his teammates to do their jobs, and as weird as that sounds, it's a skill. Many skilled young players try to overcompensate for their linemates, and they struggle to adapt to a team where they are no longer the best player on the ice. Misa shouldn't have that issue.

Misa Is Going To Put Up Points In The NHL

This shouldn't come as a surprise to the player who was drafted second overall and considered to be the best forward in the draft, but Michael Misa will score.

Michael Misa wins another battle by being stout defensively. He waits until the forward receives the puck and utilizes his stick and body to dislodge the puck away. As soon as the puck is free, Misa starts pushing the pace right away. When he gets to the offensive zone, he keeps his options open to pass and shoot, and makes the right decision to find the trailer in the play for a goal.

I know it's a skills competition when it gets to a shootout, but lol.

Michael Misa shows a lot of translatable skills that will make his transition to the NHL easier. This isn't to say that Misa will be Macklin Celebrini when he arrives this fall, but he should be able to hold his own in the NHL because of his effort, smarts, and superior skill set. If Misa takes the Smith path of development days and sheltered minutes to start, it shouldn't be long until the training wheels are taken off.