The Sharks will be getting reinforcements back in the form of Center Michael Misa, who is returning from the World Juniors to the Sharks' active roster. It is at an opportune time for the Sharks, as Center Ty Delladrea is out week-to-week after suffering a lower-body injury against the Blue Jackets.
Dellandrea got tripped up and went crashing into the goal post and needed to be helped off the ice. It did not look pretty, and it’s unfortunate for the Sharks and Dellandrea. The 25-year-old established himself as a lineup regular this season after a dreadful first year with the Sharks. Dellandrea had played in every game as the team's 3rd-line center, and while his 11 points in 42 games don’t jump off the page, he has been excellent on the PK and has provided energy for the Sharks.
His loss deals a big blow to the Sharks' center depth, especially if it is long-term. The return of Michael Misa could help with that issue. The 2025 2nd-overall pick’s season has not gone as planned. After just 3 points in 7 games while being frequently rested, the 18-year-old center suffered an injury that kept him out into December. Once he retuned he had a brief 2-game AHL stint followed by representing Canada at the World Juniors.
At the World Juniors, Misa was solid with 7 points in 7 games on route to a bronze medal and was among Canada’s best players, even if, admittedly, based on his prior junior performance, fans likely expected more. But considering he barely played over the previous 2 months, it was a solid showing for Misa.
Heading back to San Jose, the Sharks are expected to keep Misa for the remainder of the season, according to a report from Sheng Peng. At the NHL level, Misa has looked the part as an NHL center, even if he is still getting used to the pace of the game at the top level and should add some offensive firepower to the Sharks' 3rd line. Even potentially getting to play with junior teammate Igor Chernyshov, who has gotten off to a hot start to his NHL career.
The Sharks would need to shed a contract if they were fully healthy, but with the mounting list of injuries that includes Smith, Kurashev, Desharnais, Mukhmadullin, Klingberg, and now Dellandrea on IR, it’s an issue that can be addressed down the road.