The 2025 NHL Draft is just 12 days away, and while we still don’t have a clear sense of whether the Utah Mammoth are going to move the fourth overall pick or keep it, I’m going to operate under the assumption that they hold onto it and make a selection.

With that in mind, it’s time to look at who the Mammoth could realistically target at No. 4. After the 2025 NHL Draft Combine wrapped up, there was talk that the organization was very high on Brady Martin. However, selecting him could mean passing up on someone with a bit more upside. That brings us to Michael Misa, who might just be the most skilled player in the entire draft.

Let’s take a closer look at what he brings to the table.

Scouting Report

Team: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

2024–25 Stats: 62 G, 72 A, 134 P, 45 PIM

DOB: Feb. 16, 2007

Position: Forward

Shoots: Left

Height: 6-foot-1

Weight: 183 lbs

Misa put the entire OHL on notice this season with a ridiculous 134-point campaign. He wasn’t able to carry the Spirit back to the Memorial Cup, but that shouldn’t take away from the season he had. Pound for pound, there might not be a more skilled and dynamic player in this class.

There really aren’t many holes in Misa’s game. He’s confident with the puck, dangerous in all three zones, and plays a style that blends speed, creativity, and awareness. His ability to shoot, pass, and drive play is elite. Even defensively, he’s far more dialed-in than most high-end offensive players his age. He can break up plays with his stick or positioning and quickly turn defense into offense.

Scouts have described Misa as a three-zone threat. His transition game is especially impressive—he can rush the puck end-to-end and make smart reads under pressure. If it weren’t for Matthew Schaefer, Misa would easily be in the  first overall pick. In fact, depending on how the board shakes out, there’s still a chance he ends up going No. 1. But if he slides to four, the Mammoth would be thrilled to land him.

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What the Scouts Are Saying:

“Capable of speeding past opponents and drawing complex rush patterns in the neutral zone, Misa finds and creates gaps in coverages. He drives east-west, under and over teammates’ routes, slows down and accelerates, and slips pucks under sticks, always keeping defenders on their heels. Away from the puck, he’s constantly relocating from pocket to pocket, reloading to the top of the zone, sprinting behind defenders, and playing between them.” — Elite Prospects

“Misa is a beautiful skater with some quiet explosiveness and a real knack for weaving, cutting, turning, and spinning in control of the puck to either shake defenders in the offensive or defensive zone, or slip past them in transition with his speed and agility. He’s also a very smart player who makes his linemates better with his playmaking, vision, and ability to execute while tightly covered.” — Scott Wheeler, The Athletic

“His defensive detail has been reliable. Like any offensive star still developing, he has moments where he needs to keep his feet moving and lock on to his check sooner in his zone, but it’s not an area of concern.” — Jason Bukala, Sportsnet

“Misa (6-1, 184), who has earned comparisons to John Tavares for his high-end skill and hockey IQ… he’s done it with strong skating, vision, and creativity in the offensive zone.” — Adam Kimelman, NHL.com

“He reads the ice better than any other forward in this class, processing plays before they happen and staying a step ahead of the opposition. His processing speed matches his high pace of play, making him a uniquely special prospect. Much of the attention he’s been receiving this season is around his impressive goal-scoring ability.” — Smaht Scouting

Utah Should Consider Trading Down To Draft Brady Martin There has been a ton of speculation that the Mammoth could be looking to deal their pick. Which could still happen. Especially with the news this weekend that they really liked Brady Martin, they should consider trading down to draft him if they like him that much.

If Utah holds on to their fourth overall pick, there’s still a strong chance they go with Martin. From a roster-building standpoint, he may fit their style better, and if they believe they can move down a couple of spots and still get him, it could net them an extra asset—whether it be another pick or a quality prospect. Porter Martone could also be in the conversation depending on how the first three picks unfold. But if Misa falls to them, that changes everything. You don’t pass on a player like that, they would welcome someone of his skill level into their organization with the rest of their prospect pool.

Personally, I still lean toward the idea that their focus is Martin. It just seems like the more realistic option given where they are in the organizational process. But it’s also hard to ignore what Misa brings to the table. This is exactly the kind of player that can shift the outlook of a franchise and give a team something special to build around. The good news is we won’t have to wait much longer. The 2025 NHL Draft is less than two weeks away, and we’ll finally get our answer as to just how bold the Mammoth are prepared to be this summer.

Let us know what you think below.

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