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The Oilers have signed a top NCAA player.
The Edmonton Oilers are entering the stretch drive toward the Stanley Cup Playoffs, during which they hope to go on a third straight run to the Stanley Cup Final, and this time, hopefully finish the job after two painful losses to the Florida Panthers.
And now, they’ve added a young piece with vast potential they believe could help them toward that goal.
The Oilers have signed former Western Michigan Broncos forward and Hobey Baker Award finalist Owen Michaels, who earned the NCAA Frozen Four’s Most Outstanding Player honor during Western Michigan’s run to their first national championship last season. He signed a one-year, entry-level contract with the organization.
Michaels represents the latest young Oilers forward thrown into the mix for an Edmonton squad hoping to finally claim their first Stanley Cup championship since 1990.
Right now, they’re second overall in the Pacific Division, and hoping to build on it.
The Edmonton Oilers Have Signed Former Western Michigan Broncos Forward Owen Michaels
Per the Oilers official website:
“The 23-year-old joins the Oilers following a three-year stay at Western Michigan University, where he skated in 119 games and recorded 33 goals and 33 assists for 66 points, along with 22 penalty minutes,” the site reads.
“The Northville, MI, native was a Hobey Baker Award nominee this past season for the Broncos after tallying 13 goals and 13 assists in 39 games while serving as team captain during Western Michigan’s run to their first national championship in school history.”
Overall, Michaels scored 33 goals and 33 assists in 119 games over three seasons with the Broncos, a tenure which began in 2023-24. He also served as team captain.
The Potential Of Owen Michaels Is Evident, But His Game Could Use Work
It was at this time last year that Insiders Scott Wheeler, Joe Smith, and Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic described the ways in which Michaels stood out to them.
“Michaels was named the national tournament’s most outstanding player and he was the clear choice for it,” the trio of Insiders wrote. “Michaels was outstanding in both of Western Michigan’s games in St. Louis, making plays, driving, playing with speed and intention, and spending his shifts in the offensive zone. He went from seven points as a freshman to 36 as a sophomore, but staff with the Broncos will tell you he was owed better last year and that this was always who he was as a player. He’s a true competitor and the kind of player you want on your team. There’s already NHL interest after his one big year.”
However, not all analysis of Michaels has been universally positive. According to a review from Insider Steven Ellis of The Daily Faceoff, he needs to work on his skating, lest he not be anything more than a potential career AHL forward.
Michaels was a big reason why Western Michigan won the NCAA title last year,” Ellis wrote on X. “Really competitive. Good support player who gets the puck where it needs to be. Can drive the play under pressure. Skating needs work. I’m not sure he’s more than an AHLer.”
Michael Whitaker Michael Whitaker is a sports journalist based in metro Detroit with nearly a full decade of experience with publications like Clutch Points and The Hockey News. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Eastern Michigan University. More about Michael Whitaker
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