Scout's Notebook: Luke Misa's torrid pace and other draft eligible standouts

Misa mania has arrived.  

Before Michael Misa’s up for the 2025 NHL Draft, it’s his brother Luke Misa’s turn. 

Through 11 games, the older Misa has recorded 18 points, including a five-point night against the Erie Otters and a three-assist outing against the Memorial Cup host Saginaw Spirit. 

Along the way, he’s helped the Mississauga Steelheads to an OHL-leading 9-2 record. 

Misa puts himself in the middle of every play; he’s connected to his teammates through his off-puck routes, timing, and emphasis on small plays over flashy ones. 

It’s especially visible in Misa’s rushes, starting with his off-puck routes. He’s always building speed underneath the puck, turning defensive supporting positioning into fast-break offence. Because of those routes, he’s already built speed by the time the puck has arrived on his stick, ready to take on the opposition.

Misa attacks with crossovers and passes of varying distances and types. Short-range touch passes, drop passes, backhand feeds, and cross-ice darts all appear as Misa dissects the opposition, sprinting from the pass into the next reception. Early on, he’s the OHL’s give-and-go master, using a quick-possession passing game to build high-danger offence.  

There are a lot of other exciting qualities in Misa’s game, too. He’s a hard-working defensive player, a skilled handler, and a precise passer off the boards. 

Expect to Misa in the first round of our preliminary 2024 draft ranking in a few days.