San Jose Sharks forward Michael Misa made his return to game action on Friday for the San Jose Barracuda.

The 2025 No. 2 overall pick notched an assist on Luca Cagnoni’s game-tying goal in the third period. He played on a line with Cam Lund and Oliver Wahlstrom, and on the power play with Igor Chernyshov and Quentin Musty.

An ankle injury kept the forward out for over a month, but Misa said postgame he’s just happy to be back in the lineup.

“It felt good to be back out there skating with something in the Sharks organization,” Misa said. “I was happy we got the win.”

Lucas Carlsson scored the overtime winning goal on the power play to give the ‘Cuda their 11th win in their past 14 games. Misa had opportunities on that overtime power play. The San Jose Sharks’ top prospect was thrown onto the ice with Musty, Chernyshov, and Cagnoni to start the power play—a look into the Sharks’ future.

“Just getting back up to that pace. I knew that the first game would be a little tough. I came out with my feet moving a little bit slower in the second and then tried to find them again in the third,” Misa said. “Overall, I thought played well, had some chances, but I just got to continue to get my pace back up.”

The San Jose Sharks’ young center said he was able to take what he’s learned in his seven NHL games and apply it to the AHL. Barracuda head coach hadn’t seen Misa play in a game since the Rookie Face-Off and talked about what he noticed about the forward.

“He was good. High-end speed, high-end playmaking ability. He’s a threat every time he’s on the ice,” McCarthy said. “He’s tighter. Everybody at the rookie tournament we have one practice, then we play. [It is] nice to see some, some of the pro structure that they’re teaching them up top is carrying over.”

Misa had a similar assessment as his head coach.

“I think I’ve already learned a lot [in the NHL] just about puck management,” Misa said. “In the AHL, you just have maybe a split second more to make a decision with the puck, which helps. But, it’s a great league.”

Igor Chernyshov continues to shine, & he impressed Misa

San Jose Sharks prospect Igor Chernyshov scored his team-leading 11th goal of the season in the victory. The winger has stepped into a top role for the ‘Cuda, quicker than some may have expected.

His forechecking ability and defensive awareness, combined with his already known offensive prowess, have been a great weapon for McCarthy to use.

“He’s been great. His size, speed, get to the inside. Does get to the inside. He’s been on a pretty good stretch here,” McCarthy said.

Misa got to play on a line with Chernyshov during their time in the OHL with the Saginaw Spirit. While they aren’t on the same 5-on-5 line on Friday, Misa said he was impressed with the improvements he saw.

“He’s really improved his game. It’s fun to watch from spending time with him in Saginaw, and now with him here. We almost connected on a couple plays. I’m happy he’s doing great,” Misa said. “Honestly, [his] skating and puck management. In the OHL, I feel like we were able to get away with more riskier plays. Just seeing how much he’s grown and the patience he plays with now, it’s impressive.”

Misa will play the second game of his conditioning loan on Saturday. The San Jose Sharks forward has a chance to be the one to start tossing the teddy bears, which Misa doesn’t have a great history with.

Misa joked about what he would do if he scored the teddy tossing goal.

Read more news and stories about the San Jose Sharks on Sharks Hockey Digest! Bookmark the page and follow Sharks Hockey Digest on Twitter @SharksHKYDigest!