UPDATE: San Jose Sharks rookie Michael Misa is back in the Bay Area following a successful stint with Team Canada at the World Junior Championship, but critical questions about his future playing time linger. Misa, the second overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft, helped Canada secure a bronze medal, finishing with seven points in seven games.
Misa’s return comes just as the Sharks prepare for a matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight. Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky announced that Misa will have a few days to decompress before general manager Mike Grier decides the next steps for the 18-year-old centerman. “He’s been through a lot, seven games in 11 days,” Warsofsky stated.
Despite Misa’s performance at the World Juniors, where he played prominently as Canada’s top-line center, his immediate future in the NHL remains uncertain. He played just seven games with the Sharks before suffering a right ankle injury on November 5. After a stint in the AHL with the Barracuda, where he returned on December 5, Misa’s integration into the Sharks lineup will depend on roster adjustments.
The Sharks are currently at 23 players, meaning a roster move is necessary to accommodate Misa’s return. If he plays three more games, the first year of his entry-level contract will activate. However, with key players like Vincent Desharnais, Will Smith, and Philipp Kurashev expected back soon, the Sharks face a challenging decision on how to fit Misa into the lineup.
Misa’s journey at the World Juniors was not without its challenges. In the semifinal against Czechia, a late-game mishap led to Canada’s exit from the tournament. Misa took responsibility for the game-winning goal, reflecting on the experience: “Bad bounce at the end… I blame myself. I’ve got to be better,” he told reporters after the game. Warsofsky recognized this moment as a crucial learning experience for Misa, stating, “There’s going to be adversity through his career going forward, and this will be a moment that he’ll learn from.”
Looking ahead, the Sharks will face the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday and return home for key matchups against the Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights this weekend. Misa’s potential return raises excitement among fans, but uncertainty remains about how the Sharks will manage their roster in the coming days.
As Misa continues to adjust, the Sharks aim to develop a solid plan for integrating him into the team while maintaining competitiveness. Warsofsky emphasized the importance of finding suitable playing time for Misa, who has already made a significant impact in his limited appearances: “We’ll figure it out. Once Misa’s ready, we’ll come up with a good, solid plan for his development and our team.”
Stay tuned for further updates on Misa’s status as the Sharks navigate their roster challenges and prepare for crucial games ahead.
