Michael Misa says 'team comes first' as top prospect prepares for the NHL Draft

The NHL Draft is here and there are new prospects that are ready to skate. One of those prospects is highly-touted Michael Misa, who is regarded as the best forward available.

The Canadian prospect is going to be one of the first players to be picked in the newly decentralized NHL Draft. Misa, however, is not an ego-filled player. While he knows his skills, he says the team will go first.

“Everybody knows it’s an exciting moment, but I’m glad I’ll finally get the chance to experience it myself,” Misa said to the media. “For me, it’s one step at a time. I’ve got to worry about getting drafted, getting better in the summer, training camp and then ultimately shift my focus to the NHL, if I do get the chance to play next year.”

Who will draft Michael Misa?

Misa is likely not going to be the first overall pick, as it seems like a lock that the New York Islanders will go with defenceman Matthew Schaefer. However, Misa shouldn’t slip by the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks, who have the second and third pick.

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 in Los Angeles, California.

For the Sharks, Misa already played with Igor Chernyshov in Saginaw last season, so the chemistry is already there. “He’s one of the best players I’ve ever played with,” Misa said about Chernyshov. “He didn’t even speak English, so it was pretty impressive how we found each other out there.”

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As for the Blackhawks, they will first pray for Misa to fall to the third pick. If able to pick Misa, they will have both him and Connor Bedard in the same team. This will cause an interesting dynamic.

Who can be the other top 3 pick?

Misa and Schaefer are basically locks to be in the top 3. Hence, you must wonder “well… who’s the other guy?” All signs point to Swedish center Anton Frondell, who played for Djurgården.

Misa is hoping he plays in the NHL immediately. However, the feeling is that Frondell would get drafted, but then play for Djurgården for another year before taking the leap into the NHL.