The latest player to be granted exceptional status into the OHL, Michael Misa, has been announced as the Saginaw Spirit's first overall pick
He's exceptional, all right.
The Saginaw Spirit confirmed on Thursday that 15-year-old forward Michael Misa will be the team's first overall pick when the OHL draft begins on Friday, fifth OHL player to go first overall after earning exceptional status.
Misa joins an elite group of underaged players going first overall, with John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, Connor McDavid and Shane Wright being the others to do it. Sean Day, granted exceptional status in 2013, was selected fourth overall behind Travis Konecny, Dylan Strome and Matthew Spencer.
Misa scored 16 goals and 43 points in 27 games during the GTHL regular season. Misa broke the OHL Cup scoring title set by Connor McDavid with 20 points in seven games, easily earning him tournament MVP honors.
"Mikey's speed is just phenomenal," said Malcolm Spence, expected to go to Erie at No. 2. "He's so deceptive and he knows how to move at full speed and still make plays happen. He's the best."
Misa is eligible for the 2025 NHL draft.