The biggest surprise for the Edmonton Oilers in the early stages of the season is the outstanding play of Owen Michaels. There were signs that Michaels was a better player than his stat card suggested, as many teams tried to sign the college free agent last season. Still, the early results have been shocking. Even, or perhaps especially, Coach Mike Babcock has openly and consistently admitted his surprise at Michaels’ calibre of play.
Let’s take a closer look at Michaels.
Michaels player profile
Michaels will turn 25 this May, making him a bit older than most prospects. In fact, Michaels is a rookie to professional hockey, having last played for the Western Michigan University Broncos.
While not often seen as a marquee college program, the Broncos have had success under current Coach Pat Ferschweiler. Tim Washe and Alex Bump are former teammates of Michaels, young NHLers who have transitioned well to the professional ranks. With strong details, Washe and Bump made it into playoff games as rookies last season, quickly earning the trust of their NHL coaches.
Already, Babcock has lauded Michaels for some similar qualities. His positioning, his compete level, and his attention to detail speak to his commitment to his craft, as well as the quality of his coaching. In fact, Oilers AGM Calle Larsson has ties to Michaels from their shared time in the USHL. This is primary to understanding Michaels’ game.
Through his career Michaels has never been an electric scorer. He did finish third on the Broncos in points in 2024–25, before his production dipped last season. Even in the USHL Michaels was not a volume scorer. Still, Michaels has gotten off to a hot start in the NHL, showing that his game seems to translate better to higher levels.
Of course, Michaels is not without skill or talent. He is a strong skater, and his shot is strong enough to convert on solid chances. Through his speed or positioning he can get to the slot. He does not cheat for offence, so he might really benefit from playing with and against NHL quality players. He is smart enough to know the right places to be, fast enough to get there, and determined enough to work for it.
His fit on the Oilers
It was not deep into the shortened preseason before Babcock took notice of Michaels. The weeks since have seen Michaels pass every test before him. Injuries elevated him in the lineup, entrusted with a penalty killing role and with centre responsibilities. The goals are nice, but the coaches trust is a longer lasting lifeline to stay in the NHL.
The Oilers specific circumstances add more context. With what was expected to be their entire second line injured (Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and Matthew Savoie), Leon Draisaitl moving to the wing, and Jason Dickinson out, there is a lot of opportunity available. Nine players fighting for six spots. The centres are a huge focus, as Michaels is joined by Colton Dach and Josh Samanski as younger options fighting for one spot.
Of course it helps Michaels case that he is the only right shot centre the Oilers have available. His face-off proficiency has been stronger than one might have expected as well. Dach had the leg up heading into the season, but has spent most of his NHL time on the wing. Samanski earned some harsher treatment from Babcock, who mentioned a commitment to a responsible play in bottom-six roles.
It is harder to garner much from the small sample size of the season so far, especially for advanced stats. The Oilers forward depth is being tested as well, all while Babcock searches for some lineup stability. The return of some injured centres might complicate matters, as well. For now Michaels, Dach, and Samanski have a chance to prove they belong. It is not entirely impossible that all three are worthy of regular spots at full health. At the same time, there are wingers to compete with as well.
But his audition changes the Oilers lineup in itself, but also changes potential trades as well. Goaltending might always be on the table, but management seems likely to see how their three headed tandem plays out. The blueline is seen as quite strong. The choice might come down to deciding between a stable centre versus a scoring winger. Centres are more expensive, so the same trade package would net a winger of higher quality, as well as twice as many potential options.
Potential Oilers lineup with a full healthy roster
Let’s imagine how this forward group might line up at full health based on the current framework. Of course, time will tell how Filip Hallander fits into the equation.
Podkolzin—McDavid—Draisaitl
Hyman—Nugent-Hopkins—Savoie
Frederic—Dickinson—Kapanen
Formenton—Michaels—Joseph
For now, Alex Formenton and Mathieu Joseph seem to be fixtures on the penalty kill. Babcock has tried to keep the duo together, though that might well change at some point. However, it is still quite early to lock into assumptions. Samanski has had some strong results, especially alongside Isaac Howard. The Oilers seem to like Dach, and so him falling completely out of favour seems unlikely.
Fans will naturally hope for the best case scenario. This means young players hitting their ceilings. In truth, this can rarely be the case. Here is what a best case scenario lineup might look like.
Podkolzin—McDavid—Draisaitl
Hyman—Nugent-Hopkins—Savoie
Frederic—Dickinson—Kapanen
Samanski—Michaels—Howard
While the bottom-six will likely involve a rotation of players, those with roles on the penalty kill should be seen as having the inside track. Those who can play centre, and especially Michaels as a right handed option, even more so. In short, Michaels looks as though he has arrived as a full time NHL option.
The Oilers might elect to trade for another right handed centre, recent rumours targeting Kirby Dach or Matthew Poitras. To an extent these players might threaten Michaels’ hold of a spot, but as long as he continues his strong play he will not be the first choice to come out of the lineup.
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