So far, we’ve covered Carter Bear - who will likely be there when the Detroit Red Wings make the 13th pick, and Carter Amico, who can be there in the second round. Now, let’s talk about a player who’ll be a longshot to drop to the Wings.
In fact, Michael Misa could go No. 1 to the New York Islanders, something I discussed in my first mock draft. Misa showed more durability than Matthew Schaefer this past season, and his blend of scoring and playmaking could catapult him to the first pick.
But let’s have some fun and assume something completely unforeseen occurs. What if the Wings, somehow, traded to and snagged the top pick? Yeah, it cost them so much that I doubt it’d be worth it, but again, I’m speculating. Or, what if, for some strange reason, Misa fell to No. 13?
Yeah, a longer-than-long shot, I get it. But it’s still fun to talk about a top prospect, so why not, right? Anyway, here’s more on Misa.
Michael Misa could be the best player in this draft class
Video of Misa’s play is just staggering, and something that jumped out at me right off the bat is how heads-up of a player he is. When his team’s in the offensive zone, two things will happen. Misa will either know where to dish the puck, or if he doesn’t have the puck on his stick and sees an open lane, he’s sneaking into it, getting the puck on his stick, and taking the shot.
And not just that; he’s got such a quick shot that the puck’s in the net before anyone knows what just happened. It’s that blend of knowing where to be on the ice and his overall quick reactions that’s going to most likely turn Misa into a top-two pick. And while I’m aware Misa’s highlight reels are supposed to make him look good, his monster statistics further drive his play home.
This season, Misa appeared in 65 games with the Saginaw Spirit, putting up 134 points, 62 goals, and 72 assists. I’d also be surprised if he’s not in the NHL from Day 1, considering his 6’1, 185-lb frame and his NHL-ready game.
What if Michael Misa, somehow, landed with the Detroit Red Wings?
While prospects like Carter Bear and Carter Amico won’t see AHL ice for a while, Michael Misa would return to Saginaw if he didn’t make the big club in camp. But he’s playing in the NHL this season, even if it were for a team with a brewing core like the Red Wings. That said, he’d be in that top six, likely playing second if not first-line minutes.
But we all know that if Misa landed in Detroit, general manager Steve Yzerman’s giving up at least a 2025 and 2026 first-round pick, plus even someone like Dylan Larkin to entice either the Islanders or Sharks into making the trade. And that might even be baseline.
In short, expect Misa to land either on Long Island or San Jose on June 27th. But it doesn’t mean the Wings won’t end up with a fine prospect should they keep the 13th pick.
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