Top of the Draft: Introducing Michael Misa

Michael Misa is widely regarded as one of the top talents in the 2025 NHL Draft class thanks to a dynamic blend of elite skating, sharp hockey sense, refined puck skills, and a two-way responsibility that should only get better with experience. Although there is room to refine his game and mature physically, Misa is considered one of the most complete, NHL-ready prospects this draft class with a trajectory points squarely toward a future as a top-line NHL. Virtually every projection you’ll see has him as the No. 2 prospect in available in this draft, which is why there will likely be a noticeable eruption of joy from Chicago if he slides down to No. 3.

Summary

Selected No. 1 overall in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Misa was just the ninth player in CHL history to be granted exceptional status, allowing him to play in juniors at 15. He wasted no time making an impact, racking up 56 points (22 G, 34 A) in 45 games during his rookie season – a performance that earned him OHL Rookie of the Year honors, as well as selections to both the First All-Rookie Team and the CHL All-Rookie Team. He built on that momentum in his second OHL season, posting 75 points (29 G, 46 A) in 67 games while helping the Saginaw Spirit win their first ever Memorial Cup championship with 11 points (4 G, 7 A) in 17 playoff games.

If it can be believed, Misa improved even more this past season, topping the league with 134 points (62 G, 72 A) in 65 games. This was the first time in Saginaw’s history for one of their players to win the CHL scoring race. Among first-year draft-eligible players in CHL history dating back to 2005, there are only three players who had more point in a single season: Sidney Crosby (168 points, Rimouski Océanic, 2004–05), Patrick Kane (145 points, London Knights, 2006–07), and Connor Bedard (143 points, Regina Pats, 2022–23). 

Michael Misa (2025) has 17 goals in his last 13 games.

57 in 57 on the season. He’s gross. pic.twitter.com/vEep32FUHy

— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) March 2, 2025

On the international stage, Misa does not have as many appearances as some other top prospects in this draft, but he made strong impacts when at tournaments. He earned silver at the 2022 World U17 Hockey Challenge with Canada Red with six points (3 G, 3 A) in seven games. He also helped Canada capture gold at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup with eight points (3 G, 5 A) in five games. 

Misa was notably left off the roster for Team Canada’s 2025 World Junior Championship roster– a tournament in which Canada finished in fifth place in part due to lack of offense . The decision to favor older prospects is likely the reason.