Future stars of the San Jose Sharks: Prospects like Michael Misa, Sam Dickinson are ready to make an impact

The San Jose Sharks are in transition, but there’s reason to be hopeful about the team’s direction. With strong scouting, smart drafting, and timely trades, the franchise has put together one of its most exciting prospect groups in years, and these young players are not only making headlines in junior leagues and the American Hockey League (AHL). But they’re also edging closer to full-time NHL roles.
Michael Misa shows leadership after historic Ontario Hockey League season
Michael Misa, selected second overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, headlines the Sharks’ prospect list. At just 18 years old, Misa dominated for the Saginaw Spirit in the Ontario Hockey League ( OHL ), recording 134 points in 65 games. His consistency stood out; he registered at least one point in 60 games. The forward, listed at 6-foot-1 and 184 pounds, also became the first Saginaw player to win both the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL’s most outstanding player and the Eddie Powers Trophy as its leading scorer. With his offensive instincts and ability to lead, Misa is projected to arrive in the NHL this season.
Sam Dickinson brings championship experience to San Jose Sharks campDefenseman Sam Dickinson, chosen 11th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, continues to build momentum after a standout year with the London Knights. He tallied 91 points in 55 games and helped his team capture back-to-back OHL championships. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound blueliner was named Canadian Hockey League Defenseman of the Year and broke Evan Bouchard’s scoring record for a defenseman in London. With Dickinson ineligible for the AHL due to age restrictions, the Sharks face a key decision: he will either join their NHL roster or return to juniors. His performance in training camp will likely determine the outcome.
Yaroslav Askarov set for full-time NHL role in net
Goaltender Yaroslav Askarov, acquired from the Nashville Predators in August 2024, is expected to compete for the Sharks’ starting job this season. The 23-year-old, drafted 11th overall in 2020, split time between the NHL and AHL last season. He posted a .935 save percentage in the Calder Cup Playoffs . This showcases his ability to handle pressure. Standing at 6-foot-3, Askarov has the technical skills and athleticism to become San Jose’s long-term solution in net.
Igor Chernyshov and Luca Cagnoni push toward NHL readiness
Russian forward Igor Chernyshov and defenseman Luca Cagnoni round out the Sharks’ top five prospects. Chernyshov, selected 33rd overall in 2024, made an immediate impression in his first North American season, averaging 2.44 points per game with Saginaw despite recovering from shoulder surgery. His size (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) and scoring touch make him an intriguing future NHL winger.
The Sharks may still be rebuilding, but their young core is full of promise, with Misa’s scoring and Dickinson’s defensive upside. Askarov’s potential as a starter, and the depth added by Chernyshov and Cagnoni, San Jose is building toward a brighter future.
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