Rookie Misa Looks to Earn More Minutes with Sharks

NHL scout sees big potential, but young center must prove he's ready for increased role.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:22pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in deep blues, reds, and greens, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.A young center's quest to earn more ice time and prove his worth on a veteran-led team.Philadelphia Today

Michael Misa, the San Jose Sharks' 2025 second overall draft pick, has shown promise in his rookie season, but is currently playing limited minutes behind veterans Macklin Celebrini and Alex Wennberg. An NHL scout believes Misa and Celebrini could form the league's best center duo, but Misa must earn more ice time, especially on special teams, to overtake Wennberg as the Sharks' second-line center.

Why it matters

Misa is a highly touted prospect, and the Sharks are hoping he can develop into a core piece of their future. His ability to earn more minutes and eventually take on a larger role will be crucial to the team's long-term success.

The details

Misa has played just 13:12 per game on average, less than Celebrini (21:59), Wennberg (20:20), and even fourth-line center Zack Ostapchuk (10:19). The reason is that Celebrini and Wennberg are more established on special teams, while Misa is not yet ready for top power play or penalty kill duties. At even strength, Misa (12:07) is closer to Wennberg (14:41), but still trails significantly behind Celebrini (18:41).

  • Misa returned from the World Juniors on January 11.
  • Misa played a career-high 17:53 against the Philadelphia Flyers on March 21.

The players

Michael Misa

The San Jose Sharks' 2025 second overall draft pick, a 19-year-old rookie center trying to earn more playing time.

Macklin Celebrini

The Sharks' top-line center, who is playing over 21 minutes per game in his sophomore season.

Alex Wennberg

The Sharks' second-line center, a veteran who is playing more minutes than the rookie Misa.

Zack Ostapchuk

The Sharks' fourth-line center, who is playing more minutes on the penalty kill than Misa.

Ryan Warsofsky

The San Jose Sharks' head coach, who is managing Misa's minutes as the young center adjusts to the NHL.

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What they’re saying

“Kid's going to turn up some juicy numbers. He's going to control the pace of a shift.”

— NHL scout

“Macklin Celebrini and Misa 'will be possibly the best one-two center alignment in the NHL' one day.”

— NHL scout

“These two centers will change the West.”

— NHL scout

“For the most part, we're a good team when we roll our lines. When he's going, he's playing. But there are games, as a young guy, you just fight a little bit, you play him a little bit less. And that's something that he's learning.”

— Ryan Warsofsky, San Jose Sharks head coach

What’s next

If Misa continues to impress, he could overtake Wennberg as the Sharks' second-line center as soon as next season.

The takeaway

Misa has the potential to be a star, but must earn more minutes, especially on special teams, to solidify his role in the Sharks' lineup. His development will be crucial to the team's long-term success.