Get ready for a historic moment in hockey—Michael Misa is set to make his NHL debut on Tuesday, and the excitement is palpable! But here’s where it gets even more thrilling: the 18-year-old phenom, drafted as the No. 2 pick in the 2025 Draft, was benched for the San Jose Sharks’ first two games of the season. Now, he’s finally getting his shot against the Carolina Hurricanes, and fans are buzzing with anticipation.
During Monday’s practice, Misa skated alongside Philipp Kurashev and Ty Dellandrea, hinting at a dynamic new lineup for the Sharks. And this is the part most people miss—Misa has been soaking up lessons from the sidelines, closely observing fellow centers like Macklin Celebrini. He’s not just watching; he’s studying their defensive habits, their smart plays, and their ability to avoid forcing the action. It’s a level of maturity beyond his years that could set him apart on the ice.
But here’s the controversial part: While some believe Misa’s debut is long overdue, others argue that sitting him out early in the season was a strategic move to ease his transition into the league. Was it the right call? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Adding to the emotional weight of the moment, Misa’s parents, Frank and Sandra, along with his older brother Luke—a 2024 Calgary Flames draft pick—will be in attendance at SAP Center to witness history. Sharks head coach Warsofsky kept his advice simple yet powerful: ‘Go enjoy it. Have fun. You only get one NHL debut.’ He even noted that Misa had an extra spark during practice, urging him to ‘play like your head’s on fire.’
As Misa steps onto the ice for the first time in an NHL game, one thing is certain: this is just the beginning of what promises to be an electrifying career. Will he live up to the hype? Only time will tell. But for now, all eyes are on the young center as he takes his first stride into hockey’s biggest stage.
What do you think? Is Misa the next big thing in the NHL, or is the hype too much too soon? Share your predictions below!
