In Buffalo, Michael Misa is accustomed to being in the spotlight, whether positive or negative. However, it was only after returning to play center that the 18-year-old truly justified his exceptional status and revealed his elite potential to the hockey community.
Misa feels like an older player due to the long-standing buzz surrounding him. Following in the footsteps of a select few, including John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, and Connor McDavid, Misa received exceptional player status allowing him to play in the OHL at just 15.
Before his debut OHL season with the Saginaw Spirit in 2022-23, it was widely expected that Misa would follow the path of previous exceptional players and be selected first overall in an NHL Draft. Although the native of Oakville, Ontario, demonstrated skill in his initial two seasons, his draft prospects didn`t dramatically improve.
Even at the beginning of the current year, Misa, fresh off winning the Memorial Cup with Saginaw in spring 2024, didn`t even receive an invitation to Canada`s World Junior Championship selection camp.
Certainly, Canada`s quarterfinal elimination at the 2025 WJC suggests the team made some questionable decisions. Misa, meanwhile, consistently proved to that team—and any potential team—that they would be fortunate to acquire his talents.
