Oilers newest prospect Owen Michaels has the potential to fill key depth roles in the future |
The Edmonton Oilers have signed their first NCAA player from the 2026 free-agent crop.
On Thursday, the club announced that Western Michigan captain Owen Michaels has signed a one-year entry-level contract effective immediately.
Playing three years all with Western Michigan, the 23-year-old has been one of the program’s most consistent contributors both on and off the ice. Over his collegiate career, he appeared in all 119 games, recording 69 points (33 goals, 36 assists) while posting a plus–43 rating. Off the ice, he was also a three-time NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete.
While his raw production has never been dominant, Michaels has built a reputation for delivering in key moments. The 2024-25 season was a prime example of the type of “big-game” player he can be.
After assisting in Western Michigan’s reaching the conference final, he recorded an assist in the NCHC Championship game as the program captured the Penrose Cup. From there, he elevated his game in the NCAA tournament, recording assists in each regional game before stepping up as the hero in the Frozen Four. He scored twice in the semifinal, including a double-overtime winner to send the Broncos to the championship game.
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