see also
Which team holds the most picks in the 2025 NHL Draft?
Michael Misa didn’t just arrive—he announced himself. With a blend of playmaking instinct and on-ice maturity that turns heads, his name has become a fixture in early conversations about the draft and the future of Canadian hockey.
From breakout performances in the OHL to moments sidelined by injury, his young career already reads like a prologue full of tension and potential. His impact isn’t measured only in goals, but in how he shifts the rhythm of the game.
Behind the skates and stats is a player grounded in family, fueled by quiet confidence and shaped by the weight of early expectations. With each stride, he continues to build something bigger than buzz.
How old is Michael Misa?
Michael Misa was born on February 16, 2007, making him 18 years old during the 2024–25 season. At an age where most are balancing school and sport, Misa is already a career OHL player and widely recognised as a top NHL prospect, blending maturity with exceptional play.
Michael Misa speaks with the media during the National Hockey League Top Prospects Media Availability at the JW Marriott LA Live on June 26, 2025. (Source: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
How tall is Michael Misa?
Standing 6-foot-1, Michael Misa has a frame that fits today’s NHL style: physical yet mobile. His skating agility and reach help him dominate offensive zones, while his build ensures he can weather contact—a rare package in a teenager.
Michael Misa’s family
Growing up in Oakville as the younger brother to Luke Misa—also an OHL player—Michael’s support system has played a vital role. From youth tournament triumphs to the pressures of “exceptional player” status, the family stayed grounded. At 15, moving away from home for junior hockey could have tested any kid, but his homegrown roots have kept his mindset balanced.
Michael Misa’s injury
The 2022–23 season saw an early tibia fracture, sidelining him for about six weeks. Instead of hindering his trajectory, Michael Misa returned stronger, finishing with a remarkable 56 points in 45 games. That resilience transformed adversity into proof-of-concept for his work ethic and recovery mindset.
Which team did Michael Misa play for in the OHL?
Granting exceptional-status entry to the OHL in 2022, Saginaw selected Michael Misa first overall in the draft. Serving as captain, he led the league in scoring this season with 62 goals and 72 assists—totaling 134 points in 65 games. He also helped his team win the Memorial Cup in 2024, showcasing leadership and elite performance on big stages.
Michael Misa’s career highlights
- Exceptional Status & First Overall Pick in the 2022 OHL Draft: In April 2022, Hockey Canada granted Michael Misa exceptional player status, allowing him to enter the Ontario Hockey League at just 15 years old—an honor previously given to generational talents like Connor McDavid and John Tavares. That same spring, the Saginaw Spirit selected him first overall, cementing Misa’s place in the spotlight before he had even played a major junior game. It was a moment that reshaped the franchise’s identity and made headlines across Canadian hockey circles.
- Emms Family Award & OHL First All-Rookie Team (2022–23): Misa’s rookie campaign lived up to the hype. Despite missing over a month due to a fractured tibia, he recorded 56 points in 45 games, showcasing elite hockey sense and poise well beyond his years. He was rewarded with the Emms Family Award as OHL Rookie of the Year and a spot on the league’s First All-Rookie Team, marking a standout debut season filled with promise.
- Memorial Cup Champion with Saginaw (2024): The Saginaw Spirit hosted and ultimately won the Memorial Cup—the pinnacle of Canadian junior hockey. Misa played a pivotal role, contributing five assists during the tournament and controlling pace in critical moments. His performance under pressure proved that he wasn’t just a regular-season standout, but someone who could elevate his game on the biggest stage. It was the franchise’s first national title and a defining chapter in his early career.
- CHL Top Scorer & OHL MVP (2024–25 Season): Misa exploded offensively during the 2024–25 season, posting 62 goals and 72 assists for 134 points in just 65 games. He became the top scorer across the entire CHL, winning the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy (OHL leading scorer), the Red Tilson Trophy (OHL Most Outstanding Player), and the CHL Top Scorer Award—a trio of accolades rarely seen from a player still draft eligible. His offensive consistency, game control, and ability to shift momentum made him one of the most dangerous threats in junior hockey.
- E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence (2025): Just before the 2025 NHL Draft, Misa was honored with the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence, given annually to the draft prospect who exemplifies commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness, and athleticism. For many scouts and coaches, it confirmed what they had long observed: Michael Misa isn’t just a gifted athlete—he’s a complete prospect, both on and off the ice.
