The Chicago Blackhawks have made headlines by officially signing one of the top young talents in hockey — Michael Misa, the dynamic forward out of the OHL. The organization confirmed on Tuesday that Misa has agreed to an entry-level contract, signaling the start of what could be a franchise-altering era for Chicago.
After weeks of speculation about whether the Blackhawks would land the highly coveted teenager, the deal was finalized just days ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft. Chicago, holding the No. 3 overall pick, had been heavily linked to Misa, who had openly expressed his desire to join the franchise. The signing comes as part of an aggressive front-office strategy to rebuild around youth and speed.
Misa, who was granted exceptional status in the OHL and has dominated junior hockey over the past two seasons, brings elite playmaking, skating, and scoring ability to the Blackhawks’ roster. In his latest campaign, he notched 62 goals and 72 assists in 65 games with the Saginaw Spirit — numbers that placed him among the most productive draft-eligible players in recent memory.
“This is the type of player who can change the direction of your franchise,” said Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson. “Michael is a mature competitor, a leader on and off the ice, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Chicago. We believe he’ll make an impact sooner rather than later.”
With the signing, the Blackhawks now boast a promising young core that includes Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Kevin Korchinski. The addition of Misa adds another elite weapon to the team’s growing foundation, as the organization looks to rise from the bottom of the standings and reclaim playoff relevance in the coming seasons.
Misa is expected to participate in the Blackhawks’ development camp next month, with the coaching staff planning to give him every opportunity to earn a roster spot for the 2025–26 season. If his OHL production and maturity are any indication, the 17-year-old could be suiting up at the United Center far sooner than most prospects his age.
