Owen Michaels: Everything to Know About Oilers’ Newest Signing

Michaels’ Playing Career So Far
Michaels’ Style of Play

The Edmonton Oilers have been active on the free agent market, as NCAA players look to decide where they sign if they want to make the jump to the professional level, and Owen Michaels was someone that many teams had interest in signing, but he ended up inking a one-year deal with the Oilers.

The #Oilers have signed @WMUHockey's Owen Michaels to a one-year entry-level contract starting this season! ✍️ Learn more about the forward ⤵️https://t.co/K1ksct3A9A
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 2, 2026

Michaels joined the Oilers immediately and will remain with them for the remainder of the season, since he isn’t eligible to be sent to the American Hockey League (AHL) according to PuckPedia.

Jason Gregor mentioned that Michaels will likely sign a new deal in the summer, but the one-year deal that starts now made sure the Oilers landed Michaels.

Michaels’ Playing Career So Far

Michaels, who is 23 years old, has played the previous three seasons with the Western Michigan University Broncos. This season, he scored 13 goals and added 13 assists for 26 points through 39 games. In the 2023-24 season, he had seven points through 38 games. In the 2024-25 season, he scored 18 goals and added 18 assists for 36 points through 42 games.

Owen Michaels Western Michigan University — Western Michigan Broncos forward Owen Michaels (Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)

Before joining the Broncos, Michaels spent time in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, where he scored 15 goals and added 11 assists for 26 points through 46 games. In the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, Michaels played for the Bismarck Bobcats of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), where he had 53 points through 91 total games.

In the 2024-25 season, Michaels was named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team and also won Most Valuable Player (MVP). His team was also deemed regular season National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) champions and NCAA Champions.

Michaels’ Style of Play

Michaels’ offensive production doesn’t jump out at any scout or fan, but he has been referred to as a clutch player who doesn’t get nervous in big moments. His leadership has been evident and praised by his coaching staff, and while his team wasn’t able to win another championship, Michaels was awarded the captaincy and remained an effective two-way forward.

Michaels has been described as a detail-oriented, hard-working forward who plays hard at both ends of the ice. He likely won’t be an offensive dynamo at the professional level, but if he can translate his defensive game and remain committed to details, his game should translate well to the NHL.

With the Broncos, Michaels was trusted in any situation. Even strength, power play, penalty kill, and he was one of the most trusted centres, where he posted a 58.9 per cent win rate in the faceoff circle.

As mentioned, Michaels’ offensive production doesn’t stand out, but his clutch style does, with four of his 13 goals this season coming as game winners. His shot is solid, his ability to find open ice and get to the right positions is good, and his finishing ability when given an opportunity is strong.

He likely projects as a middle-six forward who can kill penalties and provide depth scoring with the Oilers. Fans will like his style of play, since he is willing to finish hits, block shots, and do the work that other players may not be willing to do.

This is a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Oilers, and if it pans out, it could be one of the strongest NCAA signings in recent history.

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