A talented prospect is set step on big-time ice for the first time.
On Monday night, forward Josh Samanski will be making his NHL debut with the Edmonton Oilers, as the team is set to host the Anaheim Ducks.
The German center was called up from the Oilers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, with Edmonton sending forward Isaac Howard down to the AHL in a corresponding move.
The #Oilers have recalled forward Josh Samanski from the @Condors & loaned forward Isaac Howard to Bakersfield.
Samanski is expected to be in the bottom six in a matchup between two of the best teams in the Pacific Division.
The 23-year-old joins the surging Oilers after what has been an impressive start to his rookie season of pro in North America. In 39 games with the Condors, he has scored seven goals and 21 assists for 28 points, which was tied for sixth in the AHL among rookies prior to being called up. Samanski is fourth on the team in scoring as well.
The Erding signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Oilers last April. The undrafted talent made a name for himself with the Straubing Tigers in the DEL, Germany’s top pro league. Last season, he notched 14 goals and 26 assists for 40 points in 52 games. In four seasons with the Tigers, he appeared in 193 games, scoring 40 goals and 53 assists for 93 points.
Making his NHL debut isn’t the only good bit of news Samanski has received this month. He was named to the German roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics, as he looks to bring some youthful enthusiasm to a team that’s hoping to surprise people in Milan next month.
The Oilers (26-19-8) sit second in the Pacific, two points back of the Vegas Golden Knights for first place.
