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A young center’s quest to earn more ice time and prove his worth on a veteran-led team.Philadelphia Today
Michael Misa, the San Jose Sharks’ 2025 second overall draft pick, has shown promise in his rookie season but is still fighting for more ice time behind veterans Macklin Celebrini and Alex Wennberg. An NHL scout believes Misa and Celebrini could form the best center duo in the NHL one day, but for now, Misa is focused on earning a larger role, especially on special teams.
Why it matters
Misa’s development is crucial for the Sharks’ long-term success, as the team looks to build around its young core. Earning more minutes and responsibilities will be key for Misa to reach his full potential and help the Sharks compete in the tough Western Conference.
The details
Misa has played less minutes than Celebrini and Wennberg, in part because they are more established on special teams. Misa is not yet ready for top power play or penalty kill duties. At even strength, Misa’s minutes are closer to Wennberg’s, but Celebrini remains the clear top center. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky says Misa is still learning as a young player, but when he’s going, he’s playing more.
Misa returned from the World Juniors on January 11.On March 21, Misa played a career-high 17:53 against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The players
Michael Misa
The San Jose Sharks’ 2025 second overall draft pick, a 19-year-old rookie center trying to earn more ice time.
Macklin Celebrini
The Sharks’ top-line center, who the scout believes could form the best center duo in the NHL with Misa one day.
Alex Wennberg
The Sharks’ second-line center, who is currently playing more minutes than the rookie Misa.
Zack Ostapchuk
The Sharks’ fourth-line center, who is playing more minutes on the penalty kill than Misa.
Ryan Warsofsky
The San Jose Sharks’ head coach, who discusses Misa’s development and playing time.
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What they’re saying
“’Kid’s going to turn up some juicy numbers. He’s going to control the pace of a shift.’”
— NHL scout
“’Macklin Celebrini and Misa ‘will be possibly the best one-two center alignment in the NHL’ one day.”
— NHL scout
“’These two centers will change the West.’”
— NHL scout
“’For the most part, we’re a good team when we roll our lines. When he’s going, he’s playing. But there are games, as a young guy, you just fight a little bit, you play him a little bit less. And that’s something that he’s learning.’”
— Ryan Warsofsky, San Jose Sharks head coach
What’s next
Misa will look to continue improving his play, especially on special teams, in order to earn more minutes and potentially overtake Wennberg as the Sharks’ second-line center, either this season or next.
The takeaway
Misa has shown immense potential as a young center, but must continue developing his all-around game to earn a larger role with the Sharks. His progression will be crucial for the team’s long-term success as they build around their promising young core.