Misa has settled in well at Penn State, stepping into first-line center duties following Dane Dowiak’s season-ending injury and serving as a stabilizing presence despite modest offensive numbers (eight goals and 19 points in 36 games). The NCAA adjustment is real for an OHL player, and the production understates his contributions. A fast, aggressive playmaker with strong give-and-go instincts who elevates linemates – he factored prominently into Gavin McKenna’s historic eight-point game, converting two McKenna-created opportunities, and has shown a noticeable uptick in shot volume since joining that line. Shot selection could still improve, and his physicality raises questions about whether center is his long-term position at the NHL level – a middle-six winger who excels in transition may be a more natural fit. Penn State’s offense-heavy system should continue to draw more out of him as he settles in. A fifth-round find with real upside for Calgary if the frame fills out.

Luke Misa, the older brother of 2025 NHL draft-eligible forward Michael Misa, committed to Penn State University after four seasons with the Brampton Steelheads franchise, starting in the 2025-26 season. The 19-year-old star forward possesses good playmaking ability, and his game is vastly improving offensively. Penn State tends to be an offense-heavy team, which could unlock even more offense from Misa.

The Calgary Flames have drafted Misa in the fifth round, 150th overall, in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

Luke Misa is a small, feisty forward who is one of the best skaters in the draft. Misa doesn’t just fly; he also handles the puck and makes plays at his top speed, something many prospects struggle with when they get up to top speed. He’s an excellent playmaker and distributor of the puck as well. He tends to overskate plays away from the puck, but that could be reined in a bit. At the very least, the effort and tenacity he plays with will be a very welcome positive in his game. Misa isn’t the biggest player, but players who skate and compete like him find a role in the NHL, even if it’s a little different than the role he plays in Mississauga. (April Ranking: 32nd overall)

It doesn’t take long for your eyes to gravitate towards Luke Misa when watching the Mississauga Steelheads play. He’s the small, feisty forward with speed to burn, and is relentless in pursuit. Misa is at his best as a puck transporter and distributor, as he’s excellent in transition and setting up teammates with passes once he gains the offensive zone. He is a very effective playmaker, making passes from behind the net as well as off the half wall. Despite his small frame, he will win puck battles by using his speed and competitiveness. Misa is supremely tenacious and will backcheck hard to try to force as many turnovers as he can. Once he forces a turnover, he scans to find outlet passes and flips the ice in his team’s favour. Misa’s shot is just okay and probably needs more to score consistently at the next level. Combine that with poor size and just good skill,l and this is probably what separates him from a player like Zach Benson in 2023. Still, despite the small frame, players who skate and compete like Misa find ways to make the NHL and stick for a long time, even if it’s not in a top-line role. (November Rankings: 16th Overall)

Misa had back-to-back 80+ point campaigns with the Steelheads in the OHL. He also scored a career-high 34 goals in the 2024-25 season. He has consistently improved over his four years in the OHL, finishing with 235 points in 259 games. Misa’s decision to play at Penn State will challenge him as a forward, as this division has a different pace and style of play than he may have been used to at the Ontario Hockey League.