Max Miller
Michael Misa might be the least-talked-about second-overall pick in recent history, and that could benefit him and the San Jose Sharks.
The 19-year-old should take the next step forward in his development this season, but he needs the minutes to do it. Despite only playing 45 games last season, Misa showed the Sharks flashes of his elite talent. The center scored 21 points (9 goals, 12 assists) in sheltered minutes on the third line.
Misa might be the fastest player on the San Jose Sharks roster, and according to NHL EDGE, only Zack Ostapchuk consistently had a top speed greater than Misa. Ostapchuk’s top speed last season was 23.27 MPH, while Misa’s was 22.75 MPH. Misa had seven bursts of speed at 22+ MPH. The San Jose Sharks centerman’s top-speed burst is in the 75th percentile overall for the league.
Adam Gaudette also had one top-speed burst higher than Misa, but I don’t consider him faster because he had fewer total high-speed bursts than Misa. Alexander Wennberg also had a slightly higher top speed, but less than Misa in the 22+ MPH bursts.
Misa’s training camp is arguably more critical this season than it was in his rookie year. If he wants to make a bigger impact for the San Jose Sharks this season, he needs to prove he can be a second-line center. He’ll be in a big competition with Alexander Wennberg for that spot, and potentially a spot on the first power-play unit.
Wennberg’s prowess as a net-front screen likely gives him the first crack at that spot on PP1 to start the year. Misa played that position on PP2 last season. I think he could be more effective in the bumper position in the slot during power plays, and PP1 has an opening.
If Misa can prove to the Sharks coaching staff that he’s able to handle a more challenging role, by nature, his offensive numbers should improve. Misa averaged just 12:49 minutes a game in 25-26, but expect that to rise this season. With more help around him on the roster as well, Misa has a much better chance to increase his offensive output even if he doesn’t get the 2C spot.
Here are my two expectations for Misa:
Solidifies 2nd line center role and gets decent chances on PP1: 45-60 points
Rubber bands between 2C and 3C and limited chances on PP1: 35-45 points
Misa was the second overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft for a reason. He won’t have to face the hardest matchups; that will always be Macklin Celebrini. That alone could help him jump-start his offense. Don’t be surprised if, 30 games into the year, Misa’s name starts popping up very regularly on the San Jose Sharks’ scoresheets.
Misa was named to the Sharks’ 2026 Rookie Face-Off roster, which is a tad surprising. It is unclear whether, and how many, games he might play during the rookie tourney.
More About:Opinion