Top NHL Draft prospect Michael Misa is scoring at a near-historical pace
Michael Misa is having a season.
Misa, the no. 4 prospect in FCHockey’s Winter ranking for the 2025 NHL Draft, is scoring at a pace for Saginaw in the Ontario Hockey League that hasn’t been seen in a quarter century on that circuit.
The recently-turned 18-year-old forward is the second-fastest draft eligible in the past 25 seasons in the OHL to reach 50 goals. Only Patrick Kane, in 2006-07 with London, managed to hit the benchmark in fewer games.
Misa netted his 50th goal in 50 games; Kane took 47 games to reach the mark.
“He thinks the game at an elite level, constantly scanning for open ice and using fakes and deception to lose his check long enough to get off a quick shot,” FCHockey scout Joseph Aleong said. “His wrist shot has a high-end release, getting good power on his shot under pressure and getting his nose dirty to battle for loose pucks in high-traffic areas. His stickhandling also allows him to beat defenders one-on-one and drive the puck into dangerous areas, leading to many odd-man chances close to the net and, relatively, easy back-door goals.”
Misa’s prowess extends beyond just the OHL.
He leads the entire Canadian Hockey League, regardless of draft status, with 108 points (52 goals, 56 assists).
The left-shot pivot is on pace to reach 137 points in just 65 games.
“Misa is a generational talent with game-breaking ability,” FCHockey scout Mike Kennedy said. “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.”
Misa’s projected point total would be the highest point total by an NHL Draft eligible from the OHL since Kane in 2006-07, and the fourth-highest mark in the CHL in the last 20 years, trailing Sidney Crosby (168 points; 2004-05), Connor Bedard (143 points; 2022-23), and Kane (145 points; 2006-07).
Elite company.
And a product of his overall skillset.
“Misa’s skating base and agility are foundations of his game both on and off the puck, allowing him to battle against bigger defenders and maintain puck control under physical pressure,” Aleong said. “His elite processing and creativity with the puck powers his offensive game, making him a dual threat as a finisher and playmaker. His quick release and patience makes defenders respect him enough to create space to get a shot off or make a seam pass across the offensive zone.”
Misa is showing no signs of slowing, either.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound forward is on a 20-game point streak. He’s amassed 47 points (22 goals, 25 points) during the run for a 2.13 points-per-game pace, and has 17 multi-point games over the run.
It’s put Misa into consideration as a potential no. 1 pick come June.
“I believe Misa is making a very legitimate case to be selected first overall in this year’s draft class,” Kennedy said. “His play all season long has been incredible but since being left off Canada’s World Junior roster he has been off the charts. He was granted exceptional status for a reason and I think we are all seeing exactly why of late.”
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