A Fresh Start
KJ Sauer, a 6‑foot‑3, 203‑pound forward, entered the draft conversation in the fifth round, a selection that has already begun to shape his professional trajectory.
During the 2025‑26 campaign he wore the Lincoln Stars jersey in the United States Hockey League, where his physical brand of play stood out and earned him a reputation as a reliable top‑nine option.
Now the youngster is set to embark on his next chapter, joining the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League for the upcoming season, a move that follows a successful recovery from a torn PCL that kept him sidelined earlier.
Coaches have praised his ability to blend size with grit, noting that his experience in the USHL has prepared him for the faster pace and heightened competition of the WHL.
Looking Ahead
With his health restored and his confidence rebuilding, Sauer is poised to contribute immediately, bringing a blend of strength and skill that could make him a key piece of the Oil Kings’ lineup.