NHL Debut: Michael Misa (Oct. 14, 2025)

Former Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa made his NHL debut with the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night.

Selected second overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, Misa dominated the 2024–25 season with the Spirit, leading all CHL players in scoring with 134 points (62G, 72A) and a +45 rating. He captured the Red Tilson Trophy as OHL Player of the Year, becoming the first player in Saginaw franchise history to lead the CHL in scoring.

Misa’s 134 points tied John Tavares for the most by an under-18 player since 2000 and ranked eighth all-time for a single season in CHL history. His 62 goals were the most by an OHL skater since Patrick Kane in 2006-07 and tied for the third-highest total ever by a draft-eligible player.

He set new franchise records for both goals and points, recording multi-point efforts in 46 of 65 games (70.1%), including 16 multi-goal performances. His 28-game point streak from Dec. 29–Mar. 6 yielded 63 points (28G, 35A), the second-longest in the OHL and third-longest in the CHL last season.

By season’s end, Misa collected an impressive slate of awards, including the Eddie Powers Trophy (OHL points leader), E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence, and OHL Scholastic Player of the Year honours. He was also a finalist for both the David Branch Player of the Year and CHL Scholastic Player of the Year awards.

Before his record-breaking campaign, Misa became just the eighth player to receive exceptional status in the 2022-23 season. This Hockey Canada designation allows elite underage players to enter the CHL early.