After a lot of discourse through rumors and sources, the San Jose Sharks selected Michael Misa second overall.
Despite the rumors, Sharks GM Mike Grier shut down any question about who the team was going to pick on Friday night.
“A while ago,” Grier responded about when he knew Misa was their pick. “He was number two on our list for quite a while.”
Grier didn’t go into who was first on the Sharks list, but it was likely Matthew Schaefer, who went first overall to the New York Islanders.
Despite rumors of the San Jose Sharks taking Anton Frondell at No. 2, Misa separated him self. Director of Amateur scouting Chris Morehouse explained how Misa was the Sharks’ go-to pick.
“The benefit of watching him over the last three years. Seeing how he’s grown, developed, and matured,” Morehouse said. “His ability on both sides of the puck. His offensive instincts. There’s an awful lot to like about Michael, and we’re really excited.”
Misa joins a young group of centers for the San Jose Sharks that the franchise hopes can bring playoff success in the future.
“These are good players. They’re all unique in their own ways,” Grier explained. “We’re excited to have them. As you can see in the playoffs, you need center depth.”
The Sharks plan to give Will Smith a shot at center after he played wing during his rookie season.
Michael Misa led the CHL in scoring in 24-25. Grier, like Misa said after he was drafted, says his play will dictate if he’s ready for the NHL in 25-26.
“His play will dictate it. I wouldn’t expect him to say anything different. He’s an ultra-competitive kid who’s been playing up a birth year his whole life. He wants to be the best,” Grier said. “He wants to play against the best. I’m sure this is what he wants to do, but we’re not going to hand him anything. He’s got to come into training camp and compete for a spot.”
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