Don’t Sleep on Josh Samanski — Oilers’ Potential Breakout Player

Stan Bowman has always had a knack for finding talent in places most NHL executives barely glance at. Europe has been his hunting ground for years — a market he’s mined for hidden gems, depth pieces, and the occasional star. His most famous success, of course, was Artemi Panarin, who arrived in Chicago as a relative unknown and immediately detonated with a 30‑goal, 77‑point Calder season.

Bowman has never been shy about throwing darts at overlooked players to round out a roster. It’s not easy to acquire useful depth in the NHL, especially without spending assets, so finding value for free is a competitive advantage. He tried it again last season when he signed Josh Samanski on April 2, 2025 — a move that had Oilers fans collectively asking, “Who?”

Turns out, they might get to know him a lot more this season after turning some heads last year.

Samanski: The Player

Samanski’s path is anything but traditional. Undrafted. One OHL season. Then back to Germany, where he climbed through the DEL and DEL2 ranks. Over his last three DEL seasons, he steadily improved — 18 points, then 27, then 40 — enough to convince Bowman to bring him over on a two‑year deal.

In Bakersfield last season, Samanski became one of the Condors’ most reliable centers. He posted 31 points in 45 AHL games, anchored their penalty kill, and earned 24 NHL games with the Oilers, chipping in four points.

Then came the playoffs.

Samanski dressed for five of Edmonton’s six postseason games and produced two points, showing real growth and poise in high‑pressure minutes. Down the stretch, he formed a surprisingly effective line with Trent Frederic and Colton Dach, ultimately earning the fourth‑line center job.

He didn’t look out of place. He looked like he belonged.

Underlying Numbers: Quietly Strong

Samanski is a bigger center who thrives on details — the exact profile you need to survive as a depth forward in the NHL. His 48.2% faceoff mark improved as the season went on, and his defensive reads were consistently praised by analysts who dug deeper into his tape.

Dennis King — respected Oilers analyst, longtime blogger, and fresh off a Cup win as a Hurricanes scout — had glowing words about Samanski’s game:

“Cheats for defense and I say that with admiration… there’s more offense here than you might think, especially with transporting and playmaking.”

That’s not empty praise. King doesn’t hand out compliments unless he sees real NHL traits.

Sid, another sharp analytic voice in Oilers circles, added this:

“Samanski was Edmonton’s only bottom‑six forward with 200+ TOI and a positive goal share (54%) last season. He also posted the lowest (i.e. best) xGA/60 among all Oilers players. Should be a lock in Edmonton’s lineup.”

Those numbers matter. They paint a picture of a player who didn’t just survive — he drove results. If the offensive side of his game grows even a little, Samanski has legitimate upward mobility.