Dave Drinkill was already familiar with Michael Misa`s name long before witnessing the young forward play for the first time at a tournament in September 2021. This isn`t unusual in OHL circles, where reputations spread quickly and initial scouting reports are common. Misa`s older brother, Luke, had already made the Mississauga Steelheads roster that fall, but even with that connection, Misa, at just 14 years old, generated more buzz than most prospects.
“Everybody always says, ‘Wait until you see the younger brother, wait until you see this player come up,’” says Drinkill, general manager of the Saginaw Spirit. “And sometimes those players come to fruition, and sometimes they kind of fall away and you never hear those names again.”
Misa certainly lived up to and exceeded expectations.
“He`s the type of player who, whenever he`s on the ice (and that hasn`t changed), makes you anticipate something special happening,” says Drinkill, recalling those early scouting experiences. “Offensively, very creative. His hockey sense is exceptional. He excels at making plays even when under pressure, which is a difficult skill to teach young athletes, and he possessed it early on.”
The September tournament where Drinkill first saw him was just the beginning of a season that would significantly alter Misa`s career. It concluded with the Oakville, Ontario native breaking Connor McDavid’s OHL Cup scoring record (Misa registered 21 points in seven games) before joining the Edmonton Oilers superstar in the exclusive club of skaters granted Exceptional Player status by the CHL. It also marked the start of a new chapter for Drinkill, who, weeks after the designation, drafted Misa first overall in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection Draft.
Here`s what you should know about the NHL prospect who has continued to live up to that exceptional reputation since.
Team: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Position: Centre/Left Wing
Shoots: Left
Hometown: Oakville, Ont.
Age: 18 (Feb. 16, 2007)
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 185 pounds
What the Scouts Are Saying
Misa`s hockey intelligence and keen understanding of the game were the first things that impressed Drinkill. This vision, paired with his strength, remarkable speed, and skillful scoring ability, makes him a highly desirable prospect who is expected to be drafted early.
“He elevates the play of his teammates and frequently generates scoring opportunities from seemingly nothing,” says Drinkill. “Even watching from the general manager`s perspective, there are moments where a play appears to be ending or stalling, requiring a different approach, but then he`ll suddenly make a play from nothing, execute quick decisions under pressure, and generate scoring chances.”
Transitioning from winger, he comfortably moved to his preferred center position this season. As the Spirit entrusted him with a leading role in their offense and, mid-season (2024-25), the captaincy, his exceptional scoring prowess became a central focus. Following this, Misa steadily climbed the monthly prospect rankings compiled by Sportsnet`s Sam Cosentino, beginning at fifth overall and ultimately being projected as the second-overall selection.
Misa`s proficiency in his two-way game has also garnered positive attention. Drinkill also hopes that his less-heralded qualities, such as his skill at shielding the puck and using his body effectively to create space and optimize plays, will also be recognized.
“His competitiveness for loose pucks in the corners is also notable. He`s fearless, whether he was 15 or is now,” Drinkill states. “And at the NHL level, I`m confident he`ll compete hard for those pucks. Perhaps that competitive spirit is somewhat underestimated regarding him.”
From Camp Snub to OHL MVP: Misa`s Draft Year Excellence
Many were surprised when, early in Misa`s draft year, he was not included on Hockey Canada`s list of invitees for the evaluation camp prior to the 2025 World Junior Championship. While other prominent players were also omitted, Misa`s absence was particularly perplexing given his leading position in the CHL`s goals and points standings.
However, that omission didn`t define Misa`s crucial draft season; the center ensured this with an exceptional scoring burst in the latter half of the year. In the 13 games following the camp snub, Misa recorded 26 points. In January, he reached his 200th career OHL point, establishing a new franchise record as the quickest player to achieve this milestone (in 148 games). He also achieved a 28-game point streak, concluding the season with an impressive 62 goals and 72 assists, totaling 134 points in 65 games, leading the entire CHL.
His remarkable season production is reflected in the accolades he received. Besides being named to the OHL First All-Star Team, Misa was honored with the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL`s most outstanding player and was also awarded the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year. Furthermore, the NHL presented Misa with the E.J. McQuire Award of Excellence earlier this month.
How High Can Misa Climb? GM Says `I Wouldn`t Bet Against Him`
“Naturally, any young player will face an adjustment period,” says Drinkill regarding Misa`s NHL potential. “But what I`ve observed about Mike is his capacity to adapt.”
Drinkill has witnessed this adaptability directly throughout Misa`s three years with the Saginaw Spirit.
He saw a 15-year-old Misa meet and exceed the significant expectations placed on an underage rookie in 2022-23, topping all first-year players in points and earning the league`s rookie of the year honors. Subsequently, he observed Misa elevate his performance within a championship-caliber roster during the 2023-24 season, benefiting from playing alongside the team`s veterans and finishing second in team scoring as they captured the Memorial Cup. And this past year, he witnessed Misa not only handle the added pressure associated with being a projected top-five draft pick but truly excel under it.
“Whether he played on the wing or on the first or second power play at a young age, he successfully adapted from minor hockey to our league,” Drinkill stated. “I wouldn`t wager against him succeeding.”
Drinkill has genuinely enjoyed watching Misa thrive with each new challenge and develop into the player with NHL potential he is today.
“Whichever NHL team selects him,” Drinkill commented, “will first and foremost gain an exceptional person off the ice, a natural leader, and a player that teammates will want to learn from as he matures in the NHL. On the ice, I believe they are acquiring a star—a remarkably offensively skilled player.”
“As he transitions and becomes established in the NHL, I anticipate his game will truly flourish,” the GM added. “He`s simply a player who is destined to become a franchise cornerstone for the team that drafts him.”
Tristan Blackwood