Michael Misa Named 2024-25 OHL Most Outstanding Player
Earlier today, the OHL announced that Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa is the 202-25 winner of the Red Tilson Trophy, which is awarded annually to the OHL's Most Outstanding Player as voted by accredited members of the media.
"I am honoured to receive the Red Tilson Trophy," said Misa. "None of this would be possible without the hard work of my teammates, the dedication of my coaches and support staff or the support of my family."
Misa, who is eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft, just finished his third season playing for the Saginaw Spirit after being selected first overall in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. At the time of the selection, Misa was 14 years old, making him the sixth player in OHL history to be granted exceptional status.
This year, Misa captained the Spirit and led all CHL players in points scoring 62 goals and a total of 134 points in 65 games. He finished second amongst OHL players in goals, trailing only Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis, while coming fourth in assists.
2025 #OHLAwards 🏆Top #NHLDraft prospect Michael Misa of @SpiritHockey is this year's recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy, presented annually to the #OHL's Most Outstanding Player as voted by the League's accredited writers and broadcasters.DETAILS 📰: https://t.co/JUVOqRzSsl pic.twitter.com/5IfY9BHkap
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 12, 2025
From the end of December through the beginning of March, Misa went on a 28-game point streak during which he scored a jaw-dropping 63 points.
"In my mind, it was never in doubt that Michael was the most outstanding player in our league this season," said Saginaw GM Dave Drinkill. "He carried our team on his back when we needed him the most and we're so proud of him."
The majority of the media who were allowed to vote for the recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy agreed with Drinkill's assessment. Misa was by far the frontrunner in terms of voting, getting 50 percent of the total votes, followed by Nick Lardis, who received 26 percent of the votes.
Can This Maple Leafs' Prospect Become The Highest-Scoring Player In OHL Playoffs History? Those familiar with
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan know he has a long list of accolades attached to his name. Just last year, he won the OHL Most Outstanding Player (Red Tilson Award) and the OHL Playoffs MVP (Wayne Gretzky 99 Award).
There were many games this season where Misa was a difference maker for the retooling Saginaw Spirit. He scored three-plus points in a single game 19 times this season and was held off the scoreboard in just five games.
The Spirit could consistently rely on him to contribute offensively and help the team pick up points.
Being recognized as the most outstanding player in the OHL is a prestigious thing for anyone, but winning it at such a young age is all the more impressive. All three of the previous winners (Easton Cowan, Matthew Maggio and Wyatt Johnston) took home the trophy after being drafted into the NHL.
Misa is a special player, as shown by his individual and team accomplishments. He is considered to be a top-five pick by the vast majority of draft analysts and was ranked second amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. He is expected to go very early at the 2025 NHL Draft.
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