The San Jose Sharks are inching closer to getting one of their most promising young players back on the ice. Center Michael Misa has been assigned to the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda on a conditioning loan - a key step in his recovery from a lower-body injury that has sidelined him for the past 14 games.
Misa’s injury came just before the Sharks' 6-1 win over the Seattle Kraken on November 5, though the exact cause remains unclear. He had been a healthy scratch the game prior, which only adds a bit more mystery to the timeline. Regardless, the Sharks are taking a cautious and calculated approach to easing him back into game action - and this AHL stint is a critical part of that process.
Because of Misa’s age and his eligibility status in the OHL, he can’t be sent to the AHL full-time unless it’s for injury-related purposes. That’s why this move is a conditioning loan - not a demotion - and it comes with a tight window.
He’s only allowed to stay with the Barracuda for up to six days or three games, whichever comes first. For now, that means he’s eligible to suit up for the Barracuda’s two-game homestand against the Tucson Roadrunners this weekend.
The Sharks do have the option to request an extension to the loan, which could give Misa another week and two more games in the AHL. That could be particularly useful if they want to get him more reps before making a bigger decision about his next step.
While on this conditioning stint, Misa will remain on long-term injured reserve, so he won’t occupy a roster spot with the Sharks. That gives San Jose some flexibility as they manage both Misa’s recovery and their NHL roster.
The timing of this stint is also worth noting. Canada’s World Junior team is set to announce its preliminary roster on Monday, and Misa is eligible for selection. If he’s named to the team, it’s possible this AHL stint is just a bridge to international play - a way to shake off the rust before joining Team Canada for tournament prep.
Misa didn’t make the World Junior squad last year - a surprising omission that some believe factored into Canada’s early exit in the quarterfinals against Czechia. This time around, if the Sharks make him available, it would be a shock not to see him on the roster. He’s expected to be one of Canada’s most dynamic offensive weapons, and his presence could tilt the ice in their favor.
For the Sharks, this isn’t just about getting a player healthy - it’s about re-integrating a key piece of their future. Misa’s development is a priority, and how they manage these next few weeks could shape the trajectory of his season - and potentially his career.