The Scouting Report:
Michael Misa of Oakville, ON, is in the mix for the first overall pick in this year’s NHL Entry Draft. Misa was born on February 16th, 2007, and measures six feet one inch and weighs 185 pounds.
Saginaw Spirit has been the beneficiary of Misa’s explosive season, where he scored 62 goals and 134 points in just 65 games! Hockey runs in the family, as just last year his brother Luke was drafted by the Calgary Flames. Michael has far higher potential, though, as his skillset projects him to be a future first-line forward.
Draft Projections
Ranked #1 by Conrad Jack of Inside the Rink
Ranked #2 by TSN/Craig Button
Ranked #3 by Daily Faceoff
Ranked #2 by Dobber Prospects
Let’s take a deeper look at Michael Misa and why he’s a possible choice at first overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Diving Deeper:
Hockey IQ
Many hockey minds have spent time raving about Misa’s hockey IQ. Misa can make quick decisions under pressure and seems to think the game a step ahead of many other players. This will make a transition to the NHL much easier, as hockey IQ isn’t natural for everyone. Misa can both create chances for and prevent chances against by predicting where the play is going and having an eye for open plays.
“What he lacks in size he makes up for in dynamic skill and skating. He’s consistently played and succeeded against older competition. Misa has a high hockey IQ and exhibits patience and poise with the puck in big moments.”
Mike Morreale – NHL.com – February 21st
Scoring
While Misa was viewed as a playmaker by many before the 2024-2025 season, he has now emerged as a skilled goal scorer too. Misa scored at almost a goal per game pace, and his ability to read plays led to some impressive goals. Misa has shown he is elite offensively and will look to continue showing that with whichever team gets the benefit of drafting him.
Defensive Skill
While many players can be successful offensively in the juniors, what really makes a player stand out is when they can also have a positive impact defensively, and Misa has been just that. Misa is defensively responsible and can be relied on for both offensive zone and defensive zone starts. As previously mentioned, his high hockey IQ makes a major impact, and Misa is a 200-foot player, and that’s something that can translate well to the NHL.
Comparables:
Misa’s game has been compared to different players throughout his junior career, and the three that I have him lined up with are Jack Hughes, Sebastian Aho, and John Tavares.
Jack Hughes: Like Jack, Misa was first viewed as a great playmaker before also showing his scoring ability. Misa could follow a similar trajectory once he reaches the NHL.
Sebastian Aho: Aho has offensive skills like Misa, but one of the things that makes him successful in the NHL is his skating ability and how he creates space while making good decisions in tight areas. Misa’s skating ability is there, and he has also shown that he can make great decisions in tight areas.
John Tavares: Tavares is often discussed for his high hockey IQ, and has been an important offensive contributor for both the Islanders and Leafs in his career. Misa follows the same high hockey IQ and has offensive potential like Tavares, so if Misa finds himself playing more with playmakers than scorers, his scoring could shine.
Prospect Potential:
Michael Misa has a lot of raw skill, but also has good habits. Projected by many to be one of the best forwards, if not the best, of the draft, it’s fairly safe to say he won’t be waiting long to hear his name on draft day. Misa has the potential to become a future top-line forward and first powerplay unit forward for whichever team lands him. To top off the impressive season Misa had, he was also recently named the OHL’s “Most Outstanding Player”.
Best Potential Fits:
San Jose Sharks: The Sharks pick second overall, and adding another skilled forward could be a great play for the team. The Sharks have had great success with Celebrini’s rookie year and have many promising players in their system, who will soon be seeing more regular NHL playing time. A Sharks team with a core forward group of Celebrini, Smith, Eklund, and Misa could be quite scary, especially with Dickinson on the back-end.
Chicago Blackhawks: If Misa falls isn’t selected in the first two picks of the draft, there is a high chance of the Blackhawks selecting Misa. The Blackhawks are one of the ideal fits for Misa as they have more high-end defensive prospects than forwards. Misa would add great depth to the future forward core of the Blackhawks and would help support Bedard offensively.
Stats via Elite Prospects
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