Oilers recall Josh Samanski, assign Isaac Howard to AHL Condors

Samanski, 23, joined the Oilers organization last April, signing a two-year, entry-level contract. He’s spent his season with the Condors, racking up seven goals and 28 points in 39 games while taking 40 shots on goal, enough to be named to the German Olympic team alongside fellow countryman Leon Draisiatl.

A strong two-way pivot, Samanski hasn’t had much time on the power play, but has found himself as the Condors’ No. 1 centre this season.

Howard, 21, heads to the Condors for the second time this season. While he made the Oilers roster out of training camp this fall, he was sent to the Condors after 17 NHL games, scoring just two goals and three points while averaging 9:30 in ice-time per game in that stretch. He found his game in California, though, racking up 10 goals and 23 points in 16 games played.

He was recalled in early January, and over his last 11 games, has looked like a player with renewed confidence, despite only having two assists in that time. Still, his average ice-time has bumped up to 12:36 per night, a sign that the coach staff’s confience in him, too, has grown.

Samanski is expected to make his NHL debut Monday night when the Oilers host the Anaheim Ducks at 6:30 PM MT.

The Oilers host the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night and the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night. They host the Toronto Maple Leafs the following Tuesday and visit the Calgary Flames the next night, before the Olympic break begins.