Michael Misa might be out of the cards, but could the Blackhawks draft Porter Martone?

Chicago Blackhawks fans have been hoping and dreaming of seeing Michael Misa in a Blackhawks sweater. After a monstrous season in the Ontario Hockey League with the Saginaw Spirit, Misa has become a top target for the Blackhawks to draft as they look to add another key piece to their young core.

But after slipping from the second-best odds to the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, that dream may crash and burn.

The New York Islanders won the lottery and hold the rights to the No. 1 overall pick, with the San Jose Sharks selecting second. With Misa widely projected to go in the top two, there's a chance he could be off the board before Chicago steps to the podium.

Misa Mania

The 18-year-old led the OHL with 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists) in 65 games. His elite vision, speed, and offensive skills could pair well with Connor Bedard.

According to The Hockey Writers, Misa "has the potential to be an elite two-way center" and could also be a "100-point player in his prime."

Misa is expected to be a favorite for the Blackhawks based on his creativity and high-end skill. But if the Islanders or Sharks draft him, general manager Kyle Davidson will need to pivot in a different direction.

Could the Islanders draft Hometown Kid James Hagens?

There's a possibility that the Islanders could look to draft Long Island native James Hagens. The 18-year-old had an a strong freshman campaign at Boston College, tallying 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 37 games.

If the Islanders select Hagens and the Sharks draft defenseman Matthew Schaefer, Misa could end up available when the Blackhawks pick at No. 3.

The Martone Haul

If Misa fails to fall in the draft, the Blackhawks could look to draft forward Porter Martone.

The 6-foot-3, 207-pound winger had a dominant season with the Brampton Steelheads, recording 98 points (37 goals, 61 assists) in 57 games. His physical presence could just be what the Blackhawks need.

"He competes every shift," said Hockey Canada head scout Al Murray. "He's at the net. He's in the paint. He's in the corners. He's always a big part of the action. It's a great combination to have a big guy who's got hands and skill, hockey sense and a high level of compete."

Chicago has elite talent from its young forwards such as Connor Beadrd, Frank Nazar, and Oliver Moore. The only problem is that there's no power forward or physical presence in the forward group. That's what Martone brings to the table.

"I fell like I'm a big, powerful forward who sees the ice very well, can make plays and score," Martone told The Athletic (subscription required). "But I like to be a hard player to play against. I like to get underneath the other team's skin and just make an influence on the game every night and be a big player in big moments."

Martone might not carry the same star power as Misa, but he brings a dominant physical force, something the Blackhawks lack in their forward group.

Success at No. 3

The Blackhawks have a strong history at drafting players at 3rd overall. Stars like Jonathan Toews, Denis Savard, and Eddie Olczyk were all No. 3 picks. Most recently, Chicago selected Kirby Dach at No. 3 in the 2019 NHL Draft before eventually trading him to Montreal.

"We are where we are," Davidson said. "Third overall is a pretty good place to acquire more talent, and we'll add it to a really strong prospect pool."

If Misa is somehow still available at No. 3, that would be a golden opportunity for the Blackhawks to draft him. But if he's off the board, Martone may be the most accurate and logical choice.

One thing is certain: The Blackhawks will have another great chance at selecting the No. 3 pick.