Oilers Expected to Sign Promising German Forward
According to Jorg Lubrich of Bild, the Edmonton Oilers are preparing to add Josh Samanski, a highly regarded German center, to their roster. Samanski, 23, had initially signed with Eisbären Berlin, the reigning champions of Germany’s DEL, but is now activating his NHL exit clause to join the Oilers. This move will make him a teammate of fellow German star Leon Draisaitl. The speculation first emerged during Berlin’s playoff matchup against Straubing and has since been confirmed by Bild’s sources. NHL scouts closely followed Samanski throughout the DEL season, attending many of his home games with the Straubing Tigers.
While Draisaitl is undoubtedly Germany’s top forward, Samanski is considered one of the most talented players currently competing in the DEL. He finished 24th in league scoring, with only three German players ranking higher. At 6-foot-5 and 190 pounds, he has the physical tools to develop into an NHL-caliber player, though larger forwards often take longer to refine their game.
Former AHL player Luke Esposito, now playing in Germany, described Samanski as a fast, competitive player who has improved significantly over the past year. Esposito noted that Samanski is a challenging opponent who could successfully transition to the North American game.
Despite his talent, there are limited scouting reports on Samanski. He holds Canadian citizenship and played junior hockey in both Canada and Germany. He spent the 2019-20 season with the Owen Sound Attack in the OHL after playing in the OJHL the year prior. A scouting report from 2019 highlighted his two-way play, strong work ethic, and offensive upside. In 2023, he attended the Arizona Coyotes’ prospect camp but did not sign a contract.
Although Samanski has yet to officially sign with Edmonton, the report appears credible. The Oilers are in need of young talent, making this a logical move. The transition from the German Elite League to the NHL is a significant leap, especially for a team as competitive as Edmonton.
McKeen’s Hockey recently praised Samanski’s development, noting his ability to use his size effectively while demonstrating impressive speed, puck skills, and finishing ability. His growth over the past year has made him an intriguing NHL prospect.
The Oilers are looking to bolster their depth after losing key young players like Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway due to poor management decisions. Their current center prospects include Sam O’Reilly, who has had a strong season in the OHL, Noah Philp, who is working to regain his form after a year off, and Jayden Grubbe, whose offensive production in the AHL has been underwhelming.
With veteran Derek Ryan’s future uncertain and no guarantee that Edmonton can sign Trent Frederic, the team has an open spot at fourth-line center. If Samanski continues to develop, he could have a real opportunity to claim the position.
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