Michael Misa Makes His Return — and Opens Up About Injury, Mentorship, and What Comes Next
He’s back — but not quite where fans expected. Michael Misa, the highly anticipated No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, is set to take the ice again after nearly a month sidelined by injury. Instead of returning directly to the San Jose Sharks lineup, he’ll make his AHL debut this Friday with the San Jose Barracuda, who face off against the Tucson Roadrunners in a weekend back-to-back. His stay, however, will be brief — a two-week conditioning assignment at most.
After being out since Nov. 5 due to a right ankle injury, Misa met with reporters this week to discuss his recovery, the mentorship he’s received from veterans Jeff Skinner and Tyler Toffoli, his thoughts on the upcoming World Junior Championships, and what he’s learned so far in his budding professional career.
Getting Back on the Ice
“It feels amazing to be skating again,” Misa shared, a grin visible as he spoke. “The past few weeks were a grind — pure rehab and patience. My main focus was on recovery and rebuilding strength. Now that I’m back on the ice, I’m just grateful to play hockey again.”
The Moment It Happened
Recalling the accident, Misa explained, “It happened toward the end of practice during a scramble along the boards. My ankle twisted awkwardly, and I heard something right away. I knew something was wrong immediately. Luckily, it’s behind me now.”
Navigating the Injury and Recovery
“Ankles can be unpredictable,” Misa said candidly. “The medical and training staff for both the Sharks and Barracuda worked closely with me. They made sure everything healed properly so I could come back strong — and maybe the fact that I’m young helped me bounce back a bit faster.” He added with a laugh, “At least, that’s what they tell me.”
Why the AHL Assignment Makes Sense
After nearly a month without gameplay, Misa agreed a short conditioning stint was the right call. “It’s smart to get a few real games in before rejoining the Sharks. It gets the timing back, the confidence back. This weekend will be all about feeling good in my game again.”
Focus During Recovery
During his downtime, Misa didn’t stop training. “Upper-body workouts were a big focus,” he said. “With my ankle out, that’s what I could control. Staying active kept me sane — the gym became my playground.”
Step-by-Step Comeback
His rehab followed a structured progression: “After the first week or two, I started skating with Mike Ricci, then joined morning skates, eventually full practices, and now I’m game-ready. It’s been a steady build.”
On Staying Mentally Tough
Misa admitted the process wasn’t easy. “You’re basically on your own schedule while rehabbing, and it can feel isolating. But I stayed positive, talked to the guys whenever I could, and kept my mind sharp. That made a huge difference.”
Mentorship from Jeff Skinner
One of the biggest positives of Misa’s recovery was spending time with Jeff Skinner. “He’s been incredible,” said Misa. “He picked me up for the rink four or five times, drove me to games, just really took me under his wing. We talked a lot about the mental and professional sides of being a young player in the league. He went through similar experiences, so learning from him meant a lot.”
Preparing for the Next Game
In practice, Misa has been skating alongside Cam Lund and Oliver Wahlstrom but isn’t fixated on line combinations. “Wherever they play me, I’m ready. The main thing is to play fast, find my rhythm, and help the team win.”
Living with Tyler Toffoli
Misa also credited veteran forward Tyler Toffoli and his family for their support. “Ty and Cat basically adopted me when I got to San Jose,” Misa said with a laugh. “They made me feel at home right away. Tyler shared stories from his early years in the league, like how he also spent time in the AHL at 18. He reminded me it’s part of the journey—a chance to grow, learn, and get stronger. That perspective means a lot when you’re young.”
Cuda Team Spirit
Rejoining the Barracuda has been an uplifting experience. “I spent time with a lot of these guys in training camp — Hache, Lundy, Musty, Q. They’re great teammates. Getting back into that group feels good.”
Adjusting to San Jose Life
Off the ice, Misa has enjoyed exploring his new surroundings. “I went to a 49ers game,” he said. “People joke about how sitting on the sunny side and shady side of the stadium feel like two different worlds — they’re not wrong! I lucked out in the shade, but Vinny Desharnais sat in the sun and looked like he was auditioning for a tomato commercial. I told him next time to bring a hat!”
On World Junior Championship Dreams
When asked about the possibility of representing Canada at the World Juniors, Misa kept his focus practical. “I haven’t heard much yet from Hockey Canada. My priority right now is this weekend and getting back in top form. But of course, wearing the maple leaf would be an incredible honor. Every kid dreams of bringing home gold. Canada has had a rough stretch the past couple of years, so if I get the chance to help, I’d be thrilled.”
Lessons from Early NHL Games
Misa reflected thoughtfully on his brief NHL experience. “Those first few games were all about finding my footing — literally and mentally. The pace is no joke. You have so little time with the puck, so decision-making is everything. I felt like each game I improved, but then came the injury. That part was tough, but I learn something every shift.”
High Praise for Igor Chernyshov
When asked about Igor Chernyshov’s red-hot November, during which he notched 10 goals, Misa smiled. “The first thing I said when I saw him was, ‘Congrats on Rookie of the Month.’ It’s not easy to dominate like that in this league. But honestly, it doesn’t surprise me — that’s just the kind of player Chernyshy is.”
Power Play Chemistry and Future Excitement
Misa spent some time practicing with Chernyshov, Will Smith, and Luca Cagnoni on the power play unit. “We got some good reps in. There’s a lot of talent down here. Seeing how strong the Sharks’ prospect pool is, it really excites me for what’s ahead for this organization.”
Reflecting on a Past OHL Suspension
Of course, Misa didn’t shy away from addressing his earlier one-game suspension from an OHL Teddy Toss event. “That was just a silly lapse in judgment,” he admitted. “The other team scored on a penalty kill during my shift, and emotions got the better of me. When a teddy bear came flying at me, I flipped it back into the stands. Not my proudest moment—but you live and learn. Safe to say, my stick’s staying on the ice next time.”
But here’s the real question: What do you think of Misa’s patient approach and positive attitude after an injury setback? Should young stars like him be fast-tracked back to the NHL or take their time building confidence in the AHL? Share your thoughts — this debate is just heating up!
