The Edmonton Oilers have signed restricted free agent forward Owen Michaels to a two-year contract extension, the team announced Monday. The deal carries an average annual value of $900,000.
Michaels' college career and accolades
Michaels, 24, went undrafted out of Western Michigan University, where he played three seasons. The Detroit native was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 2024-25 and was named NCAA Tournament MVP that same year. Over 119 games with Western Michigan, he recorded 33 goals and 33 assists for 66 points. In the 2025-26 season, he posted 13 goals and 13 assists in 39 games, finishing with a plus-10 rating. He also served as team captain in his final collegiate season.
Contract details and team fit
Michaels originally signed a one-year deal with the Oilers at the tail end of the 2025-26 season. The new two-year contract keeps him in Edmonton through the 2027-28 campaign. According to general manager Stan Bowman, the team values Michaels' potential as a right-shot center, a position of need for the organization. “Owen is a skilled forward with a strong two-way game,” Bowman said in a statement. “We’re excited to see him continue to develop within our system.”
Development and future outlook
At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Michaels brings size and skill to the Oilers' forward group. His development will be critical as Edmonton looks to bolster its center depth. Right-shot centers are highly sought after in the NHL, and the Oilers lack organizational strength in that area. Michaels will likely compete for a roster spot in training camp or begin the season with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors.
