2025 NHL Draft No. 2 overall pick Michael Misa received news on Thursday that he will stay with the San Jose Sharks for the remainder of the season.

The 18-year-old participated in his first team practice since returning from the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship and is excited to help his team in their push for the playoffs.

“It’s a good feeling,” Misa said on Friday. “Talking to [Mike Grier], it means a lot. Obviously, I gotta work my bag off every day to try to make the most of it.”

Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky says a plan for when Misa will play for the Sharks has been created. Misa hasn’t appeared in an NHL game since Nov. 1 against the Colorado Avalanche. Based on line rushes during the San Jose Sharks’ practice on Friday, Misa doesn’t appear to be in the lineup against the Dallas Stars, but Warsofsky maintained that the center is an option.

“Mostly take it day by day, but a good skate today. Welcome back to the group and continue to his development,” Warsofsky said. “He’ll play. We have a pretty good plan in place. We wanted to get his feet underneath him here today, and get a practice, and then we’ll figure out the weekend.”

Misa says that while he’s been injured, the rehab time has allowed him to build strength and speed. Both aspects are needed for success at the NHL level.

“That was big for me. That process of trying to get back to myself was getting in the weight room and getting stronger. Focusing on that side so something like this doesn’t happen again,” Misa said.

“I think after that injury, [this year] turned into a bit of a development year for me. Obviously, it’s hard to come back from injury in this league. I think what they got going on for me is really going to help me. I’m excited to be back here and, hopefully, get in the lineup soon.”

The San Jose Sharks have the most wins in the Pacific Division with 22, and Misa is excited to be part of a perennial Stanley Cup Playoff team.

“[Coming back after dealing with the disappointment of not winning gold at the World Juniors] happened so quickly. It changes your mood. Just gets you excited again to come back to a team like this,” Misa said.

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