Oilers Sign NCAA Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player

The Edmonton Oilers have added a sought-after free agent out of the NCAA, signing the 2025 NCAA Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player, Owen Michaels.

The #Oilers have added one of the top NCAA free agents on the market in 2025 National Champion Owen Michaels out of Western Michigan🐴🏒 https://t.co/gQc6Vhz8Uh pic.twitter.com/YP1MQv6ysV
— Brenden Escott (@BrendenEscott) April 2, 2026

It's a one-year, entry-level deal for Michaels with the Oilers, and it appears to be for the rest of this season, based on the wording in the Oilers release. He has apparently had quite a bit of interest from NHL teams. Even if the deal is just for the rest of this season, he'll be an RFA for the Oilers in the summer.

Michaels led Western Michigan to its first national championship in school history last year, scoring four goals across the semi-final and championship games.

OWEN MICHAELS IN DOUBLE OT! WESTERN MICHIGAN ADVANCES TO THEIR FIRST NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP! pic.twitter.com/uuFdtQ6Tm3
— SleeperNHL (@SleeperNHL) April 11, 2025

Daily Faceoff scouting analyst Steven Ellis says of Michaels, "...was a big reason why Western Michigan won the NCAA title last year. 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."

Ah, so Oilers fans might need to temper their expectations a bit.

Michaels tallied 13 goals and 13 assists in 39 games this season, serving as Western Michigan's captain. He had a terrific 2024-25 season, posting 18 goals and 36 points in 42 games. Overall, in three seasons there, he totaled 33 goals and 33 assists for 66 points in 119 games. He had a plus/minus rating of +37 over the last two years.

The 23-year-old, 6'2" forward attended the Toronto Maple Leafs' development camp last summer.