Connor McDavid, John Tavares, Mitch Marner and Patrick Kane. Those are the names that surround Saginaw Spirit captain Michael Misa in the OHL’s all-time record books. “It’s pretty crazy, and I haven’t really thought about it until just now,” Misa said. “Hearing my name in the same light as those guys is what you always dream of as a kid.” In the past three decades, the only draft-eligible OHLer to rack up more points than Misa’s 134 was Kane with 145. Misa matched the former London Knights star as a goal-scorer, finding the net 62 times this season. What makes Misa’s accomplishment even more impressive is that Kane was a late birthday, meaning he was 18 for the vast majority of the season whereas Misa didn’t turn 18 until Feb. 16. Which prospects have stood out the most at the 2025 NHL draft combine? Misa led the CHL in scoring and finished second in goals behind 19-year-old Nick Lardis, a third-round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023. Misa was also a diverse offensive threat, notching 72 assists, the fourth-highest total in the OHL. When Misa entered the OHL after being granted exceptional status, expectations were sky high. He was just the eighth player to be given early access into the CHL and the sixth in the OHL. “I’ve gone through a lot in Saginaw,” Misa said. “I’ve had some really great individual success, and we won the Memorial Cup last year, but I’ve also dealt with some injuries, and I’ve grown up here.” Misa’s rookie season was cut short by a broken tibia, but he had been on pace to break Tavares’ record for most points by an exceptional-status player (77). In 45 games, Misa finished with 1.24 points per game, ahead of fellow exceptional-status recipients Tavares (1.18), Shane Wright (1.14) and McDavid (1.05). Misa went from being a fixture near the top of the lineup in his rookie year to a middle-six scorer as a sophomore, with Saginaw loading up for a Memorial Cup run. But he didn’t let his ego get the best of him. He accepted the role and embraced being a part of something potentially special. And he was rewarded for it. The Spirit won their first Memorial Cup on home ice. The last-minute game-winning goal and the celebration that ensued is something he will always hold dear. “I don’t even remember what happened,” he said. “I just remember what it felt like in the moment. I blacked out and just felt so happy for all of the guys on that team. It was a special group.” The championship gave Misa plenty of confidence heading into the biggest year in his young career. In the off-season, he focused on getting healthy, stronger and becoming a more vocal leader for a team that was set to see several veterans depart. Misa wanted to fill the void as a leader on and off the ice. He wanted to provide the same kind of guidance for the younger guys that players such as Josh Bloom and Braden Hache had given him. It wasn’t long before everyone, from the players to the coaching staff to the management team, realized that Misa had elevated his game and matured into the leader they needed. “The way he’s handled himself on the bench, in the gym and in the dressing room, he’s been phenomenal and a natural fit,” said coach Chris Lazary in January when Misa was given the captaincy. Michael Misa (Natalie Shaver/OHL Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/08343266-66e4-4199-870b-53026a692973.png] Michael Misa (Natalie Shaver/OHL Images) Misa took the captaincy to heart and brought his game to yet another level. He put up 68 points in his final 31 games of the year, scoring at a 2.19 points-per-game clip. He was nearly unstoppable at times. But during Saginaw’s first-round series against Erie, Misa sustained a lower-body injury that limited his effectiveness and eventually put him on the shelf. Ultimately, Misa and the Spirit saw their season end earlier than they hoped. “Early in Game 2, I knew something was wrong,” he said. “I tried to play through it. I could barely skate, and it got to a point where sitting out was what was best for the team. It killed me not to be out on the ice with my guys.” As they prepare for the draft, NHL teams and their scouts have checklists for what they’re looking for in a prospect. On-ice play is obviously a massive part of it. Work ethic and leadership are key factors. Finding a personality that will mesh with their team is important. And consistently finding ways to win is an intangible you can’t teach. Misa has done everything in his power to check every box possible. His scoring totals have been historic since he entered the OHL, putting him in the company of future Hall of Famers. He has a Memorial Cup under his belt. He was a captain who elevated his game after getting the ‘C.’ Misa will be a name in every conversation at the top of the draft. Some teams will be in the camp of wishful thinking, hoping that he falls to them, while others will debate whether passing on him will be a decision they regret. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This article [https://archive.thehockeynews.com/issue/683997/937688?t=MISA%20MAKING%20HISTORY] appeared in our 2025 Draft Preview issue. Our cover story focuses on the Erie Otters' star defenseman and top draft prospect Matthew Schaefer, who has excelled despite the personal losses of his past. We also include features on other top prospects, including Michael Misa and more. In addition, we give our list of the top-100 prospects heading into the 2025 NHL draft. You can get it in print for free when you subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/Free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription?variant=41284791828614] today. All subscriptions include complete access to more than 76 years of articles at The Hockey News Archive.
