This is a write up from a Minnesota Wild blog writer about Michaels
He's in the Fzn4.. you can watch him this weekend.
Western Michigan won it last year.. he was FZN4 MOP

Sounds like his skating is efficient.. but his top gear is suspect.. biggest red flag for me..
Id be looking for above average speed and quickness as a top pre-requisite

Quote:

Owen Michaels Pos: C – Shoots: R – 6-foot-2, 185 pounds – DOB: 5/1/2002 – Team: Western Michigan Michaels has won 59.9% of faceoffs this season and 57% over his three years at Western Michigan. That right there will be enough to get the attention of the Wild, who seem to perpetually struggle in that department. The junior captain has had a bit of a down year offensively with 12 goals and 13 assists in 37 games. Part of that is because Western Michigan has asked him to carry a lot of the load defensively for the nation’s 4th-ranked team, and he was a NCHC finalist for Defensive Forward of the Year. He’s second on the team in ice time among forwards and is a major contributor to the NCAA’s seventh-best penalty kill. Michaels is a smooth, effortless skater with excellent edges, and his lateral crossovers are beautiful to watch. He’s always in control of his body, which enables him to take advantage of his hockey sense and active stick to quickly pick up pucks and be ready to make a play. Michaels will never be a major offensive contributor as a pro, but he has an excellent shot that he can release with power from multiple angles. He’s skilled and deceptive with the puck on his stick, which causes defenders to back off and give him space to operate and make plays. He’s more calculated than aggressive as an attacker, and there’s a cerebral element to the way he reads plays as they unfold. That type of recognition tends to translate to higher levels. However, Michaels’ pace could limit him as a pro. He’s efficient as a skater, but his top gear isn’t fast, and he’ll probably have to play within a structure where his other attributes carry more weight. He can be a good complementary forward on a depth scoring or defensive match-up line, but will need time in the AHL to build strength and develop an identity as a pro.

[Updated on: Thu, 02 April 2026 12:22]

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