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Michael Misa would be a game-changing centre for the Flames if they were to trade up
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Photo credit: Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
Ryley Delaney
May 20, 2025, 14:00 EDTUpdated: May 19, 2025, 22:35 EDT
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In the last draft, the Calgary Flames selected Luke Misa in the fifth round.
His younger brother, Michael, is one of the top draft prospects ahead of the 2025 draft. As you know, the Flames’ first pick is the 18th overall selection. That said, he’s the game-changing centre the Flames are looking for.
Let’s get to know the 18-year-old centre!

Scouting report

Misa was born in Oakville, Ontario, a suburb of Toronto. The 18-year-old stands at 6’1”, 184 lbs and played alongside top Flames’ prospect Zayne Parekh with the Ontario Hockey League’s Saginaw Spirit.
Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff ranked Misa as the second-best draft prospect available, having this to say about the centre.
“Misa is coming off one of the most impressive goal-scoring campaigns we’ve ever seen in the OHL. He just knows where to get the puck and can fire at will. I also think Misa’s ability to play both center and wing should take him far, although I expect him to be a winger in the NHL. He continues to find ways to get into scoring positions and impact his team in the best way possible. 
If I was a coach and needed someone to score a big goal late to win a game, Misa would be my pick – he has the best offensive instincts of any player in this draft. I want to see him battle harder more often (it feels like he cheats up the ice sometimes) but he’s got the pure skill to be a top-line NHLer sooner rather than later.”
Luke Sweeney of Dobber Prospects wrote about Misa in January (note the World Juniors reference, no, I’m still not over it).
“In another world, Misa would have gone with Team Canada to Ottawa, giving scouts a chance to see how his game measures up to other top prospects like Hagens, Schaefer, or Martone. Instead, we’ll have to settle for his continued dominance of the OHL. Misa is just shy of two points-per-game and a goal-per-game, all while using his fantastic smarts and skating to play a solid defensive game. There are few players this cycle who look as well rounded, or as projectable. Still a first-overall challenger, Misa is looking much more the part of Exceptional Status recipient.”
Sportsnet’s Jason Bukala had a lot to say about Misa, who ranked second in his late-March update.
“Misa moved to the centre ice position this year and it agreed with his skill set. He utilizes the full width of the ice with his speed and drives play with the puck on his stick in transition. Misa has developed into one of the most lethal shooters in the draft class. In the past he leaned playmaker/distributor, but his goal scoring more than doubled from last season’s total of 29. 
Misa averaged over 23 minutes per game skating in Saginaw and, like Schaefer, he was also deployed in all situations. His defensive detail has been reliable. Like any offensive star who is still developing he has moments where he needs to keep his feet moving and lock on to his check sooner in his zone, but it’s not an area of weakness that concerns me. Misa finished the season plus-43.”

The numbers

Misa was the eighth player in Canadian Hockey League history to be granted exceptional player status, joining players like John Tavares, Connor McDavid, and Connor Bedard.
Starting his OHL career as a 15-year-old in 2022-23, Misa scored 22 goals and 56 points in 45 games. In 2023-24, Misa scored 29 goals and 75 points, a good season, but his draft stock took a hit.
It went right back up after his insane 2024-25 with the Spirit, as the left-shot centre scored 62 goals and 134 points, three goals away from being goal-per-game and nearly averaging two points per game. The reigning Spirit were bounced in five games by the Erie Otters in the first round, with Misa scoring twice and picking up an assist in four games.

Availability and fit

One thing that needs to be addressed is the availability. He’s a consensus top-three pick in the draft, ranking as high as first and as low as fourth, but usually ranking as the second or third-best prospect. The Flames have the 18th overall pick; in no world is Misa dropping that far. So, how does this work? Well, San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier said that the Sharks were open to moving the second-overall pick.
The New York Islanders and the Utah Hockey Club moved up in the lottery to first and fourth, respectively, despite having 3.5% and 3.1% odds to do so. Both teams are close to making the post-season, so maybe there’s a trade option there if the Flames give up one of their young players plus picks.
It’s unlikely, but is he a fit? Well, he’s a dynamic centre who has plenty of skill and plays a solid defensive game. Misa would undoubtedly be a game-changer for the Flames.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for FlamesNation, Oilersnation, and Blue Jays Nation. They can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.
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