Michael Misa – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

by

Michael Misa

2024-25 Team: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Date of Birth: Feb. 16, 2007
Place of Birth: Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Ht: 6-foot-1 Wt: 185 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Center/Left Wing
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 first-year eligible

Rankings

To say Michael Misa is having a great season would be a massive understatement. His draft year has been the stuff of legend, as he already has hit 50 goals and 100 points, and the season isn’t over yet. In fact, he is the second-fastest draft eligible in the past 25 seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) to reach the 50-goal mark. Only future Hall of Famer Patrick Kane, in 2006-07 with the London Knights, did it faster; he scored his 50th in his 47th game, while Misa did it in 50.

Related: THW’s 2025 NHL Draft Guide

Misa has captured the attention of everyone in the hockey world ever since he was granted exceptional status in the OHL back in 2022. He is already a well-rounded two-way player, and he hasn’t even reached 18 years old yet. Scouts are amazed by how much he understands the game at such a young age, showcasing awareness and anticipation rivaling greats like Wayne Gretzky, who had the innate ability to know where the puck was going to end up before anyone else. What Misa has in his toolbox that Gretzky never had is speed, and that makes him even more dangerous.

As you can probably tell from his stats, Misa doesn’t have many weaknesses in his game. Pick an attribute, he’s probably good at it. From shooting, passing, playmaking, and puck control to hockey IQ, awareness, and skating, he pretty much has it all. Oh, yes, he’s also a center, one of the most coveted positions in hockey.

Michael Misa Saginaw Spirit
Michael Misa, Saginaw Spirit (Natalie Shaver/OHL Images)

Misa isn’t all offense either; he can affect the game defensively too, as his awareness allows him to anticipate what his opponents will do offensively and turn it in his favor for a scoring chance the other way. His motor and forechecking abilities are also elite, as he gets in quickly to pressure defensemen (and goaltenders) to force turnovers and gain puck possession back for his team.

Misa’s a threat in all three zones, but he’s the most lethal in transition and off the rush, as he uses his speed and hockey IQ to make other teams pay for their mistakes. And once he’s in the attacking zone, he can generate offense in multiple ways, from his accurate wrist shot, slick puckhandling, or simply setting his linemates up for a high-danger chance. He demands attention, not just when he has the puck, but without it as well. Simply put, he’s got everything you want in a potential first-overall pick.

Other THW Draft Profiles

Michael Misa – NHL Draft Projection

Being one of the top two-way game-breaking centers in this draft, Misa will be in the conversation to go first overall. With how much he’s dominated the OHL this season, I wouldn’t be surprised if he does end up hearing his name first in LA.

Quotables

“Misa is a generational talent with game-breaking ability. He is an outstanding offensive force for Saginaw and is the type of player who makes everyone around him better. His high-end hockey IQ and vision allow him to process plays before they happen and stay a step ahead. He is a capable playmaker, able to thread passes through traffic with precision. So far this season, he has shown a strong ability to finish as well, scoring goals at a high rate. He has a quick, accurate release that finds the corners and cleanly beats goaltenders. Misa’s puck skills are impressive to behold as he weaves through defenders and creates scoring chances.” – Mike Kennedy, FC Hockey

“Great skating, skill. I mean, he just understands the game and has a high hockey sense…You look out there, and he’s got just such a great skill set. He’s the complete package.” – Craig Conroy, Calgary Flames general manager

“Off the puck, he anticipates rotations, predicts opponents’ intentions, and strikes with meticulous timing. On the puck, he drives the middle, cuts across opponents’ hands, and creates gaps in opposing defensive formations with bait-and-delay offensive patterns. While Misa’s transition game remains his main weapon, his cycle game continues to make massive strides forward, and his progression shows no signs of slowing down.” – Hadi Kalakeche, Elite Prospects

“Much of Misa’s production this season has come in transition and his ability to attack off the rush. He’s a high-end skater with NHL level edge work and top end speed. He’s able to make lots of skilled plays at breakneck pace, generating controlled zone entries with ease and linking up with teammates as he drives the slot. He also possesses a wicked release and is capable of scoring goals himself from all over the offensive zone. Though his offensive production pops off the page this season, he’s also a dedicated two-way forward. He backchecks and sticks with plays off the puck, and competes hard in all three zones.” – SpokedZ, SMAHT Scouting

Strengths

  • Skating
  • Hockey IQ
  • Awareness/anticipation
  • Shot
  • Puck handling
  • Playmaking
  • Vision
  • Forechecking
  • Motor
  • Two-way game

Under Construction – Improvements to Make

Misa doesn’t have any obvious flaws in his game. Other than the natural progression of increasing his size and strength, he’s close to NHL-ready right out of the gate.

NHL Potential

Misa has the potential to be an elite two-way center that will affect the game both offensively and defensively. His ceiling is sky-high at this point, as he could be a 100-point player in his prime and also be in the running for the Selke Trophy.

Risk- Reward Analysis

Risk – 1/5, Reward 5/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense- 9/10, Defense 8/10

Awards/Achievements

Misa recently became the Spirit’s all-time points leader, eclipsing Ryan McDonough’s 250 points. He also leads the OHL in scoring with 124 points in 60 games via 58 goals and 66 assists.

Michael Misa Stats

Videos

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