Latest news with #NHLDraftCombine
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
"A lot to prove to myself and the world": Michael Misa redefines what dominance looks like as 2025 NHL Draft's best forward prospect
Michael Misa (via Getty Images) Michael Misa, the dynamic Oakville, Ontario, forward, has become the most well-rounded offensive tool on the board going into the 2025 NHL Draft. Following a franchise-defying year with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League, in which he collected 134 points in only 65 games, Michael Misa is the top guy to take off the board as a forward. Saginaw Spirit's Michael Misa solidifies himself as 2025's most exciting NHL draft prospect Since the day Michael Misa received exceptional status to play in the OHL at only 15 years old, direct comparisons to legendary players Connor McDavid and John Tavares were made to him. That added pressure, though, hasn't slowed him down—it's just sped him up. His entry into the OHL was record-breaking. Michael Misa tallied 56 points in 45 games as a rookie, surpassing the points-per-game mark he posted as an underage player last season behind John Tavares. But it's his 2024-25 season that put him atop the scouting board. Posting 62 goals and 134 points—numbers no other draft-eligible OHL skater came within sight of—Michael Misa is being compared to the likes of Patrick Kane, whose draft season is the gold standard for junior offense. Is Michael Misa an obvious pick for Sharks at No. 2 overall? In contrast to most young stars, Misa's scoring outburst was not the product of flashy remodeling of his game. Rather, he doubled down on polish, developing shot control at the expense of raw power, returning to his natural center position, and enhancing his defensive effort. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This Wrinkle Cream Is "Actually Worth It" The Skincare Magazine Undo The end product? A 59-point jump from the year before and an obvious maturation into a two-way player. 2025 OHL Awards Ceremony: Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit) 'Coming into this year, I think I had a lot to prove to myself and to the world,' Misa said at the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo earlier in June. 'I really just tried to leave everything on the ice and walk out of here with no regrets.' Also read: Chicago Blackhawks trying to steal No. 1 pick in Michael Misa draft bombshell Whether through his deceptive shot release, dynamic skating mechanics, or capacity to dictate tempo, Misa's game is constructed for sustained NHL impact, and he's well on his way to being a top-line NHL center before too long. Whether or not the New York Islanders make him the No. 1 overall pick, Misa's NHL debut seems less of an if and more of a when.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Why Mason West is 'the biggest wildcard in the draft,' and why NHL teams are torn over his football future
Mason West #141 performs the pro agility test during the 2025 NHL Scouting (Credit: Getty Image) NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently referred to West as 'the biggest wildcard in the draft' during the 32 Thoughts podcast. That label has stuck, and for good reason. West is not just a promising hockey player; he is also a high-level football athlete, still planning to play another season of high school football. This unusual dual-sport path is rare among top NHL prospects, adding an extra layer of complexity to his draft profile. NHL teams worry that Mason West may choose football Mason West's football commitments are causing real concern among front offices. While scouts admire his growing dedication to hockey, they remain cautious about whether he'll ultimately pursue it as a career. The possibility that West could shift fully to football, especially if he receives an offer to play quarterback at the next level, makes him a risky early-round investment. Elliotte Friedman also pointed out that West might be working harder at hockey only because of doubts about playing quarterback beyond high school. That has not been enough to ease nerves among NHL executives, who fear using a pick only to see him walk away from the sport. West's willingness to risk injury by continuing in football adds to the concern. Edmonton Shake It Off To Win Game 4 | 32 Thoughts Mason West's combined feedback fuels intrigue Despite the doubts, Mason West made a strong impression at the NHL Draft Combine. According to insiders close to the event, West turned heads with his physical testing and interviews, reaffirming the potential that has teams so intrigued. Many believe his ceiling as a hockey player is enormous, if he chooses to stay on that path. Read more: Paulina Gretzky's bold bikini photo sparks attention as fans say she's 'unbothered' and shining on her terms His draft-day outcome remains unpredictable. Some clubs may gamble a mid-round pick, while others could hope he goes undrafted and becomes a free agent target. Either way, Mason West is dominating conversations not for what he's done, but for what he might become. He is a rare case where raw potential and uncertainty are equally powerful forces shaping draft night decisions.
