Michael Misa signs entry-level deal with Sharks

So much for any thoughts of Michael Misa playing NCAA hockey.

The signing, made a week before training camp, means the second-overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft is ineligible for U.S. college hockey. If the forward doesn’t stick with the Sharks this season, he’d have to return to the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit as Misa is too young to play in the AHL.

“Michael is a gifted player and a hard worker who we are excited to bring into our organization,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said in a statement. “We are looking forward to his continued development as part of our group.”

Some wondered whether Misa may be tempted to go to Penn State University, where his brother and Calgary Flames prospect Luka Misa will play this season. Former CHL players will be eligible to play in the NCAA starting this season.

It has not been a one-size-fits-all scenario for top 2025 picks. First-overall pick Matthew Schaefer (OHL, Erie) has signed an entry-level deal with the New York Islanders, along with No. 5 Brady Martin (Nashville Predators, OHL, Soo), No. 8 Jake O’Brien (Seattle Kraken, OHL, Brantford) and No. 9 Radim Mrtka (WHL, Seattle).

But No. 6 Porter Martone (Philadelphia Flyers, OHL, Brampton) is going to Michigan State and No. 10 Roger McQueen (Anaheim Ducks, WHL, Brandon) is heading to Providence College.

Misa, allowed to enter the OHL a year early after being granted exceptional status, was named the league’s most outstanding player last season in his third year in the league. The native of Oakville, Ont., had 62 goals and 72 assists for a CHL-best 134 points in 65 games.

The previous year, Misa helped the Spirit win the Memorial Cup as the host team.