Owen Michaels earns Oilers opening-night spot, set for pro debut
Edmonton’s official game preview says the forward is in line to play Tuesday after winning a roster place in camp; Jason Dickinson is unavailable.
Owen Michaels has won a spot on the Edmonton Oilers’ opening-night roster and is poised to make his professional debut against the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday at Rogers Place (8 p.m. MT; Sportsnet), the club said in its game preview.
The right-shot forward earned a contract after helping Western Michigan win an NCAA title last season. He had not played a professional game entering this season. Edmonton’s coaching staff valued the two-way play and skating he showed in camp.
“He’s played well. He really can skate,” coach Mike Babcock said. Babcock said Michaels was not in the club’s original plan, but that his play changed it.
Forward Jason Dickinson is unavailable for the opener because of injury, giving Michaels’ ability to fill a role added value, according to the Oilers. The game against Vancouver begins Edmonton’s 2026-27 NHL season.
