2026 Edmonton Oilers prospects rankings: #2 Josh Samanski

Welcome to The Oil Rig’s 2026 Edmonton Oilers prospect rankings. Today we look at the runner up, Joshua Samanski.

Who is Joshua Samanski?

Samanski is a big centre who has already impressed at the NHL level, debuting last season. It was a big year for Samanski, who gained more valuable experience at the Olympics as well. He is known primarily for his defensive game, responsible enough to support his teammates and athletic enough to disrupt opponents. 

Samanski’s development

Samanski is somewhat uncommon, having developed for four seasons in the DEL, Germany’s top league. While his offensive totals do not jump off the page, there is actually a lot to like. The DEL is often low scoring, and Samanski led his team in points in his final season before coming to North America last year. 

Coupled with an impressive half season of production as an AHL rookie, and perhaps his offensive upside is being undersold. While Samanski’s strong defensive reputation is primary, he is a skilled enough player to help his teammates offensively. 

His strengths

Samanski is very disciplined positionally, and is assertive in his defensive efforts. He is strong enough to hold coverage at the net front or against the boards at both ends of the ice. He might be able to assert himself as a strong possession centre by helping his teammates with these details. 

While he might not make the most dazzling offensive plays, Samanski thrives in subtlety. Smart support passes and dirty work are where Samanski contributes most. He opens up space and touches for his linemates, and can help the team turn defence into offence. 

Growth for Samanski

It is quite encouraging that Samanski already looks the part of a reliable fourth line option. As a centre, he is already a valuable NHL player. However, there might yet be more upside to his potential ceiling. It was a whirlwind rookie season for Samanski, and his role in the NHL was in fairly limited minutes and role. It goes without saying that it was a huge jump from the DEL.

With continued growth, exposure to better players, and some added confidence from coaches Samanski could prove to be a steal for the Oilers. His two points in five playoff games and two points in five Olympic games are a small sample size, but at the very least they are informative. With a bigger role than most of his 24 regular season games, this production might be indicative of his upside. 

On the same note, he will continue to add authority to his defensive game in tandem. This will earn him better linemates as well, which could really unlock his game. Ultimately, Samanski should be a key penalty killer. A power play role is a tougher projection, perhaps as a net front presence on a second unit at some point down the line. 

The future for Samanski

For many Oilers fans Samanski is already penciled in as the team’s fourth line centre. Behind the obvious of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, it is Jason Dickinson who is expected to take on heavy defensive usage. Samanski offers some similar defensive prowess, allowing for a lot of stability at the bottom of the roster. 

The most optimistic projections might see Samanski push Dickinson for a role outright. At the very least it might allow the Oilers some optionality to place some interesting wingers alongside Samanski. The Oilers could build an all out checking line around one of Dickinson or Samanski, leaving the other with some skill that finds itself without a scoring role alongside a superstar. 

Isaac Howard and Kasperi Kapanen might make a completely different style line than Colton Dach and Mattias Janmark. Samanski offers a stable setting for many wingers on the roster.

While there is no telling who a new coach might be fond of, Samanski does project as a player coaches would appreciate a lot. Against him is his contract. it should not be seen as a huge indictment of Samanski if the Oilers send him to the AHL to start the season if only to juggle their roster. 

Either way, the next two seasons will be exciting for Samanski. There is some runway for him to completely outplay expectations, just as he has to this point. He is still finding his way in the league, but there is so much to like already. Although he might not have a high offensive ceiling, he can be an integral part of a team beyond the scoresheet.