BUFFALO — Michael Misa is accustomed to being the focal point, for better or worse. However, it was his transition back to playing center that truly validated the 18-year-old`s exceptional status and revealed his elite potential to the hockey world.
Misa feels like a veteran player due to the lengthy anticipation surrounding his career. Following in the footsteps of prominent figures like John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, and Connor McDavid, Misa received exceptional player status, allowing him to compete in the OHL at just 15 years old.
Entering his first OHL season with the Saginaw Spirit in 2022-23, Misa appeared destined to become a first overall selection in the NHL Draft, mirroring the path of those who came before him. While the Oakville, Ontario native certainly displayed his abilities during his first two years in the league, his draft standing didn`t dramatically improve.
Even at the beginning of this year, despite having just won a Memorial Cup with Saginaw in the spring of 2024, Misa did not receive an invitation to Canada`s World Junior Championship selection camp.
Certainly, Canada`s early exit in the quarterfinals at the 2025 World Juniors suggests the team may have made some questionable decisions regarding their roster. Misa, meanwhile, did nothing but demonstrate to that team – and indeed, any potential NHL club – how fortunate they would be to acquire his talents.
Tristan Blackwood