In a thrilling development for the Edmonton Oilers, the team is not only reveling in their gripping 3-2 double overtime victory in the first game of the Western Conference Final but is also eyeing the future of the franchise with the 2024 NHL entry draft on the horizon, scheduled for June 28-29 in Las Vegas.
At present, the Oilers find themselves in a unique position with regard to the upcoming draft. They possess a singular pick in the top four rounds as of now (along with one in the fifth, and two each in the sixth and seventh rounds). Noteworthy is their second-round pick, critical for the team’s strategy and future prospects.
Tapping into expert insights, Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler from The Athletic conducted a mock draft for the first two rounds of the 2024 draft. Alternating selections, Wheeler was charged with the task of making the Oilers’ 62nd overall pick in the second round.
The choice? Centre Luke Misa from the Mississauga Steelheads.
Wheeler remarked, “The Oilers, having previously drafted Ryan McLeod from the Steelheads and seen him develop into an NHL player, have decided to return to Mississauga for their second-round pick. They’re betting on Misa’s exceptional skating ability, a trait that aligns with the team’s recent drafting history.”
The consensus on Misa is varied across hockey media outlets, reflecting the unpredictable nature of draft picks transitioning to NHL success. While NHL.com placed Misa as the 76th North American skater, a decline from his earlier 45th ranking, TSN’s Bob McKenzie had him at 67th among all prospects as of January. On a more optimistic note, Tony Ferrari of The Hockey News had Misa ranked impressively at 22nd, and Steven Ellis of the Daily Faceoff listed him 47th in April.
Misa, an 18-year-old from Oakville, Ontario, has just wrapped up a stellar season with career highs in goals (26), assists (55), points (81), and a +35 rating over 66 regular season games with the Steelheads, setting a team record for assists in a season.
Acknowledged for his outstanding skating, speed, and quickness, the general assessment is that Misa needs to bolster his defensive play and manage concerns regarding his size, standing 5 foot 10 and weighing 170 pounds.
However, Misa’s confidence and dedication to improving every facet of his game, coupled with his mental fortitude and process-oriented approach to practice and preparation, could make him a valuable asset to the Oilers, should they select him. With his track record, Misa embodies the blend of talent and work ethic that could well translate into NHL success, offering a promising prospect for the Oilers’ future roster depth.
