Michael Misa, the San Jose Sharks' second overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, made his AHL debut with the San Jose Barracuda on Friday night. The 18-year-old forward recorded an assist in a 4-3 overtime victory against the Tucson Roadrunners. Misa joined the Barracuda on a conditioning loan after missing time with a lower-body injury.
Michael Misa suited up for the San Jose Barracuda for the first time in the American Hockey League, contributing to their thrilling 4-3 overtime win over the visiting Tucson Roadrunners. The 18-year-old forward, selected second overall by the Sharks in the 2025 NHL Draft, assisted on Luca Cagnoni's second-period goal. Misa had played seven games with the Sharks earlier this season, tallying 1-2-3 points, before sitting out the past month due to a lower-body injury. He joined the Barracuda on a conditioning loan from the Sharks this past Wednesday.
Positioned on the top line alongside Cam Lund and Oliver Wahlstrom, Misa finished the game with two shots on goal. 'It felt good to be back out there,' Misa told San Jose media. 'I think just getting back up to that pace, I knew the first game would be a little tough. Overall I thought I played well, had some chances, but I’ve just got to continue to get my pace back up. I think in the AHL, you just have a second, a split-second, more to make a decision with the puck, which helps, but it’s a great league here.'
Barracuda head coach John McCarthy praised the rookie's performance. 'He was good,' McCarthy said. 'High-end speed. High-end playmaking ability. He’s a threat every time he’s on the ice.'
The game remained close, with rookie Igor Chernyshov scoring in the third period to force overtime and tie Chernyshov for second among AHL rookies with 11 goals. Lucas Carlsson then sealed the win with a power-play goal in overtime. Misa and Chernyshov previously played together with the Ontario Hockey League's Saginaw Spirit last season, where Misa led the league with 62 goals, 72 assists and 134 points, earning the Red Tilson Trophy as OHL MVP.
Misa's conditioning assignment can last up to 14 days. The victory improved the Barracuda's record to 11-1-1-1 since November 1, placing them three points behind the Pacific Division lead.