Michael Misa, the 100-Point scoring 2025 first round draft prospect

2025 Draft-eligible Michael Misa leads the Ontario Hockey League in scoring, and he is the first player across the CHL to score 100 points this season.

Misa, if you remember, was granted exceptional status, allowing him to play in the OHL as a 15-year-old. But just getting the nod wasn’t enough for Misa, who played 45 games in his rookie season in 2022-23. Misa posted 56 points (22 goals, 34 assists) en route to earning the Emms Family Award) as the OHL’s Rookie of the Year. 

If Misa’s rookie season was a sign of things to come, Saginaw Spirit fans’ would fall in love with No.77. Misa followed up his rookie season, with a 75-point season, including 29 goals and 46 assists in 67 games. Individually, his season was impressive, but he was also a key contributor (11 points in 17 playoff games) for the Spirit, who won the OHL championship. 

Owen Beck and Zayne Parekh were key to Saginaw’s success also. Now with Beck gone, the Spirit captain continues his impressive play, with an increased role. Thankfully, he still has the Calgary Flames 2024 ninth-overall selection with him in Saginaw.

Parekh will likely finish behind Misa in team scoring, but the defenseman is no slouch. The defenseman has turned it up a notch after scoring 96 points, including 33 goals. Parekh is on pace to eclipse the 100-point plateau this season.

Misa also scored his 45th goal of the season, pushing his point total to 101. The next closest to 100 points across the CHL is 2026 projected top pick Gavin McKenna, who has 96 points, after assisting on Marcus Pacheco’s tally. The next closest is Andrew Cristall, the Washington Capitals 2023 40th overall selection, who has 95 points. 

Craig Button, TSN’s Director of scouting, describes Misa as the present when discussing the next generation of elite hockey players. And judging by Misa’s resumé, he is familiar with winning. On top of his other impressive achievements, he also won gold with Canada at the 2023-24 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. 

Misa presents as an elite-level two-way talent, with dual-threat offensive ability. Misa is effective at shooting in stride, standing still with one-touch shots, and his release is quick and accurate. Standing 6’1” and 185 lbs, Misa could still add some muscle to his frame, which will only improve his effectiveness in puck battles - around the net, and in the corners. 

Montreal can forget about Misa unless they secure a top-five selection. Because the likelihood of Misa falling out of the top five is very slim. He is a gamer, with an elite offensive toolkit, who is only scratching the surface. 

Making a case for 10-minute 3-on-3 overtime

I don’t necessarily feel that there needs to be a case made to argue why extending overtime to 10 minutes makes sense.

 It is something that former NHL players agree with. More specifically, TVA sports hockey analyst and former NHL player Maxim Lapierre digs it. Watching the 4 Nations Face-Off overtime between Canada and Sweden, a 10-minute overtime keeps things interesting, competitive and team-oriented. 

The shootout serves its purpose, but a 10-minute overtime, in my opinion, would be the superior option. I will go out on a limb in saying most would be in favour of a longer overtime, instead of the shootout. I believe that leaving the game on the goalie or one player’s stick is the opposite of what a team sport is. 

Look how packed and passionate the Bell Centre was for the first game of the tournament. The crowd cheered loudly and proudly while sitting on the edge of their seats. Best-on-best hockey was sorely missed, and the energy during overtime could be sensed while watching from a TV in the comfort of your own home. 

It’s your call, Mr. Bettman, but I think it’s clear what the fans wants.