The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly set to sign a promising young player from Germany's Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), centreman Josh Samanski. This addition is particularly exciting for the Oilers, who already feature Leon Draisaitl, widely regarded as the greatest German player in NHL history. According to a report from the German news outlet Bild, Samanski, 23, is making the transition to North America after a successful stint with the Straubing Tigers.
Samanski has been making waves in the DEL this season, achieving an impressive tally of 14 goals and 40 points over 52 games, leading his team in both categories. Jörg Lubrich, the Bild reporter who broke the news, praised Samanski as “Straubing’s best player and perhaps the greatest German talent at the forward position.” The report confirmed that Samanski has exercised his NHL exit clause, allowing him to leave his contract with the Tigers and join the Oilers next season.
Despite his success, it’s worth noting that Samanski’s journey to the NHL is not without its challenges. The Oilers’ center position is already well-staffed with stars like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Adam Henrique all under contract. This situation may necessitate a position change for Samanski, who stands at an impressive 6-foot-5 and weighs 190 pounds. Moving to the wing could be a strategic option for him to secure a spot on the NHL roster.
Historically, the Oilers have attempted to integrate German players into their lineup, with varying degrees of success. Previous signings like Tobias Rieder and Dominik Kahun did not pan out, leaving fans hopeful that Samanski's talent will translate better to the NHL. The anticipation surrounding this signing is palpable, especially as the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs approach, although they have not yet begun.
Samanski's development has not gone unnoticed. NHL scouts have been attending his games regularly, with many impressed by his skill set and competitive nature. Luke Esposito, a former Bakersfield Condor who faced Samanski this season, commented, “He’s a pretty impressive player. He seems to have kind of developed from last year to this year. He developed that extra step. You know, a difficult player who plays with a lot of pace and is pretty competitive too.”
Though Samanski went undrafted, his size and skill have led many to believe he could be a late bloomer in the NHL. His journey began in Canada, where he played for the Owen Sound Attack in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) during the 2019-20 season. He later participated in the Arizona Coyotes prospect camp in 2023, showcasing his potential to NHL teams.
As the Oilers look to bolster their roster, Samanski’s signing is crucial, particularly given the loss of two significant young talents, Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway, due to management decisions last year. The Oilers’ prospect pool has been criticized for lacking depth, making the addition of a player like Samanski all the more vital.
According to The Cult of Hockey, Samanski ranks as one of the top center prospects for the Oilers heading into the summer of 2024. With a wide-open spot at fourth-line center, he could potentially secure a position with the team if he performs well in training camp.
As the Oilers prepare for the upcoming season, the excitement surrounding Samanski’s arrival is palpable. Not only does he bring a wealth of potential, but he also joins a team with a strong German presence, which could ease his transition to the NHL. The combination of his size, skill, and competitive spirit makes him a player to watch as the Oilers aim to build on their successes and make a deeper playoff run.
In conclusion, Josh Samanski’s signing represents a significant step for the Edmonton Oilers as they look to improve their roster ahead of the next NHL season. With high expectations and the potential for development, Samanski could become an integral part of the Oilers’ future, especially as he joins the ranks alongside established stars like Draisaitl. Fans will be watching closely to see how he adapts to the NHL and whether he can make an immediate impact on the team.
