The San Jose Sharks pulled off what might be the signing of the day on Wednesday, securing their prized second overall pick, Michael Misa, to a three-year entry-level contract. For a franchise desperately trying to climb out of the basement, this represents more than just paperwork—it’s a statement about their commitment to building something special.

The 18-year-old phenom from Oakville, Ontario, had hockey pundits scratching their heads for weeks. Would he follow his brother Luke to Penn State? Would he take advantage of the new NCAA eligibility rules that now allow former CHL players to suit up for college teams? Those questions got answered definitively when Misa put pen to paper with the San Jose Sharks.

A Historic Season That Demanded Attention

Let’s talk numbers, because Misa’s 2024-25 campaign with the Saginaw Spirit wasn’t just good—it was historically dominant. The kid torched the Ontario Hockey League for 134 points in 65 games, leading the entire Canadian Hockey League in scoring. Those aren’t typos. Sixty-two goals and 72 assists from a player who didn’t even turn 18 until February.

To put that production in perspective, you’d have to go back to 2006-07 to find comparable numbers. That season, Patrick Kane lit up the OHL for 145 points while John Tavares matched Misa’s exact total of 134. We’re talking about two players who went on to become NHL superstars, Hart Trophy winners, and generational talents.

San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier didn’t mince words about his newest asset: “Michael is a gifted player and a hard worker who we are excited to bring into our organization. We are looking forward to his continued development as part of our group.”

The Brotherhood Factor That Almost Changed Everything

The decision wasn’t automatic. Misa’s older brother Luke, a Calgary Flames prospect, is heading to Penn State this season. For the first time in their careers, the Misa brothers had the opportunity to play on the same team, thanks to the NCAA’s landmark rule change that allows CHL alumni to maintain their college eligibility.

The emotional pull was real. During the World Junior Summer Showcase in July, Michael remained diplomatically noncommittal about his plans. “It’s definitely something I’ve got to figure out with my agent, what San Jose wants me to do,” he said at the time. “It’s kind of up to them and up to me to make that decision.”

But when push came to shove, the lure of professional hockey won out over family reunion tours.

What This Means for San Jose’s Rebuild

The San Jose Sharks aren’t just collecting talent for the sake of it. They’re methodically assembling a core that could compete for years to come. Misa joins fellow first overall pick Macklin Celebrini in what’s shaping up to be one of the most promising young forward groups in the league.

Celebrini couldn’t hide his excitement about his new teammate: “That’s exciting. It’s going to be great. I’ve skated with him and been around him the last couple of days. He’s an awesome kid and can’t wait to get going with him.”

The chemistry between these two could define the San Jose Sharks for the next decade. Both players possess elite hockey IQ, exceptional skill sets, and the kind of competitive fire that championship teams are built around.

Development Path and Immediate Impact

Here’s where things get interesting from a roster construction standpoint. Misa’s signing means he’s ineligible for NCAA hockey, but at 18, he’s also too young for an AHL assignment. If he doesn’t crack the San Jose Sharks’ opening night roster, he’ll return to Saginaw for another year of junior hockey.

Given his production last season and the San Jose Sharks’ current state, there’s a legitimate argument for giving him an extended look. The team finished dead last in the NHL last season, and while development is crucial, so is injecting talent and excitement into the lineup.

Misa spent his summer training in Ontario alongside some impressive company, including Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard and various NHL prospects. He worked with renowned skating coaches Barbara Underhill and Randi Milani, focusing on conditioning and speed development.

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