NCAA, College League, USA MenÃââ S Ice Hiockey 2026: NCAA Regional Match Between Western Michigan Broncos And The Minnesota State Mavericks MAR 27 March 27, 2026: Western Michigan Broncos forward Owen Michaels 34 brings the puck up on a breakaway for an empty net goal in the third period of the NCAA 1st Round Regional menÃââ s Ice hockey, Eishockey game between the Western Michigan Broncos and the Minnesota State Mavericks. Derek Regensburger/CSM. Credit Image: Â Derek Regensburger/Cal Media EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20260327_zma_c04_051.jpg DerekxRegensburgerx csmphotothree483216
NCAA, College League, USA MenÃââ S Ice Hiockey 2026: NCAA Regional Match Between Western Michigan Broncos And The Minnesota State Mavericks MAR 27 March 27, 2026: Western Michigan Broncos forward Owen Michaels 34 brings the puck up on a breakaway for an empty net goal in the third period of the NCAA 1st Round Regional menÃââ s Ice hockey, Eishockey game between the Western Michigan Broncos and the Minnesota State Mavericks. Derek Regensburger/CSM. Credit Image: Â Derek Regensburger/Cal Media EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20260327_zma_c04_051.jpg DerekxRegensburgerx csmphotothree483216
The Edmonton Oilers may have limited cap space and a narrow draft pick pipeline, but that’s exactly why AHL star Owen Michaels is the franchise’s rising hope towards a Stanley Cup.
“The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed a key college prospect,” wrote Edmonton Journal writer Kurt Leavins in a segment published on July 6, 2026. “Forward Owen Michaels inked a two-year contract extension on Monday. He was a pending Restricted Free Agent. The AAV is $900k.”
The organisation’s relentless pursuit of a Stanley Cup has continued since 1990, when they last lifted it. The Oilers kept on trading first-round picks, adding star players to the roster, and prioritising immediate wins. And here’s where Michaels comes in.
March 27, 2026: Western Michigan Broncos forward Owen Michaels 34 and Minnesota State Mavericks defenseman Jakob Stender 18 take a faceoff in the NCAA, College League, USA 1st Round Regional menÃââ s Ice hockey, Eishockey game between the Western Michigan Broncos and the Minnesota State Mavericks. /CSM. - ZUMAc04_ 20260327_zma_c04_035 Copyright: xDerekxRegensburgerx
March 27, 2026: Western Michigan Broncos forward Owen Michaels 34 and Minnesota State Mavericks defenseman Jakob Stender 18 take a faceoff in the NCAA, College League, USA 1st Round Regional menÃââ s Ice hockey, Eishockey game between the Western Michigan Broncos and the Minnesota State Mavericks. /CSM. - ZUMAc04_ 20260327_zma_c04_035 Copyright: xDerekxRegensburgerx
Unlike 18-year-old draft prospects, Michaels has already proven himself at Western Michigan University. The 24-year-old finished as the NCAA MVP and a Hobey Baker finalist in 2024-25, captaining the Broncos. His 3-year tenure at Western Michigan concluded with 33-33-66 in 119 games.
So, for the Oilers, who can do with inexpensive but somewhat experienced players to help their cornerstones, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Michaels seems like the perfect piece.
His $900k AAV will help the Oilers' $6M cap space, as most of it is occupied by star players. His proven leadership qualities and two-way play will also help the team in its contender run as well.
However, there might be some roadblocks to that.
The Roadblocks Owen Michaels-Oilers May Face
According to the same segment by Leavins, Michaels’ development might be an issue. Both McDavid and Draisaitl are left-shot centers, and the current Oilers’ roster is built around them. Consequently, Michaels is a right-shot center.
“The development side of Michaels’ career will be critical,” wrote Leavins. “Right-shot centers are often much-sought-after. And it is not an organizational strength of the Oilers.”
Seeing where and how Michaels fit, whether he’s NHL-ready or needs to round up his game more with the Oilers’ minor Bakersfield Condors, will definitely keep the team’s new head coach Mike Babcock busier.
How do you think it’d go for Michaels? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy