San Jose Sharks forward Michael Misa is expected to finally get to play for Team Canada at the World Juniors on Friday.<\/p>\n
Inexplicably, the center was left off the roster in 2025. Canada and Misa both put that decision behind them, and now Misa wants to help his country avenge a stunning quarterfinal exit from last year. <\/p>\n
After a terrific season in the OHL last season, the Sharks selected Misa No. 2 overall<\/a>. He made the opening night roster as an 18-year-old.<\/p>\n Although Misa has missed extended time with an ankle injury, the San Jose Sharks felt that loaning him to Team Canada for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship would be beneficial to his development. Misa played in two pre-tournament games for Canada. In the second game against Denmark, Misa played on the top line with Utah Mammoth top prospect Tij Iginla and Philadelphia Flyers top prospect Porter Martone.<\/p>\n Misa had two assists, both on Iginla\u2019s goals during a 13-2 victory.<\/p>\n The Sharks center would leave the game in the second period due to another injury. Canadian head coach Dale Hunter and the rest of the players told reporters that it was a precautionary move. Hunter told Mark Masters of TSN that he expects Misa to play in Canada\u2019s first game on Friday against Czechia.<\/p>\n Management group’s Mark Hunter on \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6Michael Misa, who did not play the 3rd period last night:<\/p>\n “I think he\u2019s going to be OK. It’s a day-by-day thing. Nothing major \u2026 It doesn\u2019t sound like anything real bad. Should be ready to go on the 26th”@TSN_Sports<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/oyYcW4JKM6<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Mark Masters (@markhmasters) December 24, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, Gavin McKenna<\/a>, told reporters that he thinks Misa\u2019s injury was a precautionary thing.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, it is more of a precautionary thing,\u201d McKenna said. \u201cWe don\u2019t want to push it too hard, and we want to be ready for the tournament.\u201d<\/p>\n His linemate and newly named captain of Team Canada, Porter Martone, agreed with the decision to sit Misa for the third period.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy force it when he can be ready 100% on Boxing Day,\u201d Martone said. \u201cHe\u2019s a tough kid, but he\u2019s going to be ready. He\u2019s really excited to play in this tournament and is a big part of our team.\u201d<\/p>\n Misa would skate on Christmas Day, which is a good sign that the 18-year-old will play on Friday. The Sharks winger is one of the top players across the entire tournament. Misa could finish among Canada\u2019s leading scorers and might even win player of the tournament.<\/p>\n Read more news and stories about the San Jose Sharks on\u00a0Sharks Hockey Digest<\/a>! Bookmark the page and follow Sharks Hockey Digest on Twitter @SharksHKYDigest<\/a>!<\/p>\n