Why did 2025 NHL Draft prospect Michael Misa win the prestigious E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence?
Michael Misa wins E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence (Getty Images)
In what's shaping up to be a dream summer for Michael Misa, the highly-touted hockey phenom has been honored with the 2025 E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence — a recognition that celebrates not just athletic prowess, but the very core of what makes a future NHL star.
At just 17, Misa has captured the attention of the hockey world. A native of Oakville, Ontario, and captain of the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL, he led the entire Canadian Hockey League in scoring during the 2024-25 season — the first player in franchise history to do so.
How did top
2025 NHL Draft
talent Michael Misa earn the E.J. McGuire Award for excellence?
With an astonishing 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists) over 65 games, Michael Misa's offensive dominance came with a streak of 28 consecutive games with at least one point, along with 46 multi-point games and 16 multi-goal performances.
But this award isn't just about stats. First introduced in 2015, the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence is given annually to a player who showcases outstanding character, competitiveness, and commitment to excellence — all of which Misa has personified. His journey began when he was granted exceptional status to enter the OHL a year early, a rare distinction that set the tone for a career filled with promise. Since then, Misa hasn't just lived up to expectations — he's shattered them.
'Michael Misa is the candidate most deserving of the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence as he demonstrated the athleticism, compete and character that defines this award in his pursuit to be the best player he could be,' said Dan Marr, director of NHL Central Scouting.
'Receiving exceptional status to play as a 15-year-old in the OHL is a distinctive honour that comes with high expectations and Michael excelled in navigating his way forward with an impressive level of humility, consistency, and record-breaking play as one of the top prospects in this year's draft class.'
This special honor was handed to Misa in style — with an engraved NHL crystal presented live on Sportsnet's pregame show, just ahead of Game 3 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Sharing the stage with Sportsnet host Ron MacLean, analyst Kevin Bieksa, and fellow top prospect Matthew Schaefer, Misa embraced the spotlight that's only expected to grow brighter in the coming weeks.
As the NHL Draft approaches on June 27 in Los Angeles, Misa is widely projected to go in the top five. And with accolades like these, it's clear the young forward isn't just heading to the NHL — he's ready to make an impact the moment he gets there.
Also Read:
Wayne Gretzky's daughter Paulina Gretzky's workout fit has fans raising eyebrows
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Can't love you more': Oilers star Connor McDavid's wife sends love to Leon Draisaitl's fiance right before crucial Game 4
The Edmonton Oilers are in a tough spot in the Stanley Cup Final. They're behind two games to one against the Florida Panthers, and Game 4 is just around the corner. With all eyes on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to lead the charge, something sweet off the ice has caught fans' attention, especially just before such a big game. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Lauren Kyle shares heartfelt message for Celeste Desjardins before Game 4 On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Lauren Kyle, Connor McDavid's wife shared a touching post on social media. She wrote a message to Celeste Desjardins, who is Leon Draisaitl's fiancée. The post came just a day before the Oilers face the Panthers in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. Kyle wrote on Instagram, 'The best 72 hours celebrating our girl Celeste Desjardins in Mykonos!! Can't love you more!! Let's get you married!!' The message was full of joy and excitement, showing the strong friendship between the two women. Both Lauren and Celeste were in Greece, celebrating Celeste's bachelorette party. While fans expected the star players to be fully focused on the series, this little break from hockey gave a glimpse into their personal lives. Despite being far from the game location, their bond reflects how close McDavid and Draisaitl are not just on the ice, but in life too. Also Read: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to chase the Stanley Cup Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are key players for the Edmonton Oilers. McDavid was drafted in 2015, and Draisaitl joined a year earlier in 2014. Since then, they've become one of the NHL's most powerful duos. Together, they've won four Hart Memorial Trophies, and Draisaitl could win another one this season. This season's playoffs have been intense. McDavid has scored 6 goals and made 25 assists in 19 games. Draisaitl has 10 goals and 19 assists. However, in Game 3 against the Panthers, neither of them scored. The Oilers lost that game 6-1 in Sunrise, Florida. With Game 4 set for Thursday, June 12, 2025, the pressure is high for them to bounce back. Celeste Desjardins and Leon Draisaitl have been together since 2018 and got engaged in July 2024. Their wedding is coming up soon. With that and the Stanley Cup in sight, Draisaitl might be hoping for two big wins this summer.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
'It's not just about talent': Montreal Canadiens eye stronger defense and smart forwards for Ivan Demidov
Montreal Canadiens eye stronger defense and smart forwards for Ivan Demidov (Image via Getty) The Montreal Canadiens are busy behind the scenes as the offseason begins. While fans are excited about the arrival of top prospect Ivan Demidov, there's more happening. Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman dropped some key updates on his '32 Thoughts' podcast that hint at what the Canadiens might do next. But the full story goes deeper than just Demidov's debut. Elliotte Friedman shares Montreal Canadiens want new defense and help for Ivan Demidov On the June 7 episode of the '32 Thoughts' podcast, Elliotte Friedman said there is growing talk that the Montreal Canadiens are not just focused on defense. While many believe the team needs to fix its blue line, Friedman shared they are also looking for strong forwards who can play well with 18-year-old Ivan Demidov. Demidov, who is one of the most talked-about young players from Russia, was picked by Montreal in the 2024 NHL Draft. He is expected to join the team soon, and the Canadiens want to make sure he is set up to succeed. Friedman explained, 'There's been a lot of talk that the Canadiens want to add defense, but I've also heard they are looking at forwards who could fit next to Demidov.' This means Montreal could be working on more than just one area of the team. The update came while Friedman and Jeff Marek were talking about summer trades, free agents, and how young stars will change NHL rosters soon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Concentrated Siberian Ginseng Extract 2oz Superior Ginseng Undo Also Read: Ivan Demidov Shortlisted For KHL Rookie Of The Year Following Strong Season With SKA St. Petersburg Ivan Demidov could shape how the Montrel Canadiens build their team this summer Ivan Demidov hasn't played a single NHL game yet, but his presence is already making waves. Montreal clearly sees him as a future star and wants to surround him with players who match his style. According to Friedman, the Montrel Canadiens are looking for skilled forwards who can play fast and smart just like Demidov. 'It's not just about talent,' he said on the podcast. 'It's about chemistry. They want someone who can grow with him.' This news came shortly after Demidov posted a training photo on Instagram from Russia, showing he is preparing hard for his first NHL season. With trades and signings expected in the coming weeks, fans now know the Canadiens are thinking long-term with Demidov at the center of their plans.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Stephen A. roasts Connor McDavid for scoreless Game 3: '13 shots, no goals!' — P.K. Subban defends him
Connor McDavid (via Getty Images) Connor McDavid just got caught in the crossfire of an ESPN debate, and NHL Twitter is living for it. After the Oilers' brutal 6–1 loss to the Panthers in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, Stephen A. Smith dropped the gloves on First Take, calling out McDavid for not scoring despite launching 13 shots. But former NHL star P.K. Subban wasn't having it, jumping in to defend the face of the league. Stephen A. rips Connor McDavid's performance: 'Thirteen shots. No goals. Zero.' Stephen A. Smith may not be a full-time hockey guy, but when he shows up, he shows up. On ESPN's First Take, he went all in on Connor McDavid, questioning why no one was holding him accountable for Game 3. P.K. Subban & Stephen A. call on Connor McDavid & Leon Draisaitl to REGROUP 👀 | First Take 'Thirteen shots. No goals. Zero, nothing, in the Stanley Cup? When do you get to hold a superstar accountable, if not under these conditions?' He didn't deny McDavid's greatness but argued that when the lights are brightest, you've got to deliver. Especially in a blowout where your team is on the verge of collapse. P.K. Subban claps back: 'One game doesn't define Connor McDavid' P.K. Subban, who knows a thing or two about pressure moments, was quick to jump in. His defense? McDavid is delivering, just not on the scoresheet that night. Subban pointed out that McDavid's been the engine behind the Oilers all playoffs long, racking up 31 points in 19 games. One bad night doesn't erase that, and it definitely doesn't make him the problem. He stressed that hockey's a team game. It's not like McDavid gave up six goals. Fans are torn — is it fair to call out McDavid after Game 3? Twitter's response? A mix of 'he's got a point' and 'Stephen A. doesn't know puck.' Some fans agreed with the hot take: if McDavid wants to be in the GOAT convo, he needs to step up in the Finals. Others clapped back, reminding folks that McDavid can't do it alone and that maybe focus should be on the Oilers' defense and penalties, not the guy trying to shoot them out of trouble. Fair or not, this series is defining McDavid's legacy. He's already a generational player, but legends are built in the Stanley Cup Final. And after falling behind 0–3 to the Panthers, the clock is ticking. Also read - Mitch Marner has the Florida Panthers 'high on his list,' says insider but can they afford him?
