Michael Misa, the 2025 NHL Draft pick, has impressed San Jose Sharks management by remaining on the team throughout the NHL season. There was extensive discussion about whether to keep Misa in the NHL or return him to junior hockey. However, following his recovery from an injury and participation in the World Junior Championship with Team Canada, it was decided that he will stay with the Sharks.
Sharks GM Justifies Keeping Michael Misa in NHL
On Thursday, Sharks General Manager Mike Grier explained the rationale behind retaining the 18-year-old player. He noted the difficulty of such decisions, stating, “These are never straightforward or easy decisions. He’s played three years of junior. He dominated Junior last year. Just from a development standpoint, how much more was he going to get of going back there and putting up 160 points? I don’t know how much that would have done for him.”
Misa’s Development Path
Grier emphasized the importance of Misa’s presence in the NHL, even if he is not playing every game. Being around professional players is seen as crucial for his growth. “We just thought just being up here with the guys… was best for him,” Grier added.
Since returning from the World Junior Championship, Misa has started making a significant impact. He has registered three assists in his last three games and has successfully managed back-to-back game scenarios. Notably, his play-driving skills have improved, highlighted by a primary assist against the New York Rangers.
Season Performance and Future Outlook
This season, Misa has recorded one goal and six assists in 13 games. Grier expressed confidence in Misa’s ability to navigate the challenges of an 18-year-old athlete in the NHL. He acknowledged, “He’s gonna have his ups and downs… and we’re willing to live with it.” Grier believes that this decision will greatly benefit Misa’s long-term career.
- Misa’s Current Statistics:
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 6
- Games Played: 13
Grier pointed out that the decision to keep Misa was not made impulsively. They evaluated his performance throughout the season to ensure he was not out of his depth. He noted, “If he completely fell on his face, it’s a different story.” The evaluation showed that Misa handled his assigned minutes well, further validating the team’s choice.
Moreover, Misa has taken on the third-line center role effectively, filling in for Ty Dellandrea. It’s anticipated that he will continue to benefit from additional training time during the NHL’s upcoming Olympic break.
