As San Jose Sharks rookie forward Michael Misa finalizes his return from a lower-body injury, the team has decided to loan him to Team Canada for the upcoming World Junior Championship. This decision presents a valuable opportunity for Misa and the Sharks. The 10-day tournament offers Misa a chance to regain his footing and provides benefits for both him and the team.
Misa's first NHL season hasn't gone as planned due to the injury, limiting him to only seven games. Before exiting the lineup, Misa recorded one goal and three points with a -1 rating in those seven appearances. The injury allowed the Sharks to send him to their AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda, for a conditioning assignment, where he registered an assist in two games. The World Juniors can serve as an extension of this conditioning.
The World Juniors offer Misa a chance to regain game speed by competing against players of similar age and experience. This is a better environment for him to readjust than facing NHL veterans while still recovering from his injury. Misa expressed his eagerness to make an impression, acknowledging the importance of his on-ice performance for the team. He stated that he needs to "definitely step up" and is looking forward to the challenge.
Misa's inclusion in Team Canada's roster comes after a surprising snub last year, despite leading the OHL in scoring with 134 points in 65 games for the Saginaw Spirit. His offensive prowess was missed as Canada struggled to generate offense at last year's World Juniors, leading to a quarterfinal loss.
Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky clarified that Misa's ailment wasn't what kept Misa from joining Team Canada for camp. Instead, the team wanted Misa to reintegrate with his San Jose teammates after his AHL conditioning loan.
The San Jose Sharks have activated center Michael Misa from injured reserve and have since loaned him to Team Canada for the upcoming 2026 World Juniors tournament in St. Paul, Minn., which is slated to start next week. The tournament will run from Dec. 26-Jan. 5, 2026.
The Sharks can afford to be patient in Misa's return. The team has exceeded expectations this season, and while a playoff berth remains a possibility, the focus is shifting from rebuilding to competing.
Misa's experience at the World Juniors should provide him with the necessary momentum to finish the season positively. Playing in a familiar competitive environment will allow him to readjust to the pace and style of hockey he is accustomed to. His performance in the tournament could determine whether he returns to Saginaw or remains with the Sharks after the WJC wraps up in January. As an under-20 player, Misa is subject to the NHL-CHL transfer agreement, making him ineligible for a full-time AHL assignment unless he is on the NHL roster or injured reserve.
Misa was grateful for the support he received from his Sharks teammates before leaving to join Team Canada. Every player wished him good luck, which Misa found "cool". He joined Team Canada in time to watch their pre-tournament win against Sweden.
