San Jose Sharks’ Rookie Michael Misa Set for NHL Debut

The San Jose Sharks are set to welcome rookie center Michael Misa for his highly anticipated NHL debut on October 10, 2023, against the Carolina Hurricanes. Coach Ryan Warsofsky confirmed Misa will be in the lineup as the Sharks conclude their three-game season-opening homestand.

Misa, who was drafted second overall by the Sharks in June, had not participated in the first two games of the season, where the team faced the Vegas Golden Knights and the Anaheim Ducks. During Monday’s practice, Misa was seen skating on the Sharks’ third line alongside wingers Ty Dellandrea and Philipp Kurashev. This lineup adjustment comes as the Sharks attempt to find their rhythm following a challenging start to the season.

Team Adjustments and Strategy

In addition to Misa’s inclusion, the Sharks are making several strategic changes to their lines. William Eklund and Tyler Toffoli are now paired with Macklin Celebrini, while Will Smith and Jeff Skinner will skate with center Alexander Wennberg. These shifts aim to bolster the Sharks’ offensive capabilities as the team seeks its first victory of the season.

The Sharks also reorganized their defensive pairings during Monday’s practice. The top defensive line now features Dmitry Orlov alongside Mario Ferraro, while Nick Leddy partners with Timothy Liljegren. Sam Dickinson will skate with John Klingberg. Meanwhile, it appears that forwards Collin Graf, Vincent Desharnais, and Shakir Mukhamadullin will be scratched for the matchup against the Hurricanes.

Roster Moves and Player Updates

In roster news, defensemen Lucas Carlsson and Jack Thompson cleared waivers on Monday after starting the season on the injured non-roster list due to lower-body injuries. Both players have been assigned to the Barracuda of the AHL to regain their form. Thompson sustained his injury late in the preseason, while Carlsson did not participate in any of the Sharks’ exhibition games.

The Sharks currently have eight defensemen on their active roster, limiting their capacity to include Thompson or Carlsson. The remaining defensemen comprise right-shot players John Klingberg, Timothy Liljegren, and Nick Leddy, alongside left-shot players Mario Ferraro, Sam Dickinson, and Shakir Mukhamadullin.

The addition of Carlsson and Thompson to the Barracuda’s defense will enhance their depth, complementing players such as Luca Cagnoni, Jake Furlong, Noah Beck, and Braden Hache on the left side, and Mattias Havelid, Cole Clayton, John Gormley, and Jack Bar on the right.

As the Sharks prepare for Misa’s debut, the team remains focused on overcoming early-season challenges. Fans eagerly await the performance of their new rookie star as the Sharks aim to turn the tide against the Hurricanes.