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Oilers prospect next in line for call up could make Olympic roster
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
With the kind of season 23-year old Josh Samanski is having in Bakersfield, it won't be long before he joins his Condors' linemates in Edmonton, with the added bonus of possibly playing in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Oilers' prospect a leader on AHL's Bakersfield Condors
Oilers analyst Allan Mitchell has pointed out Samanski's great year in the AHL so far, which may earn him a call-up for a trial late in the season - and a trip to the Olympics to represent Germany.
If you just look at the boxcar numbers, Viljami Marjala and Josh Samanski are having similar seasons. However, Samanski leads the Condors in even-strength points and has a far more impressive goal share than Marjala. This stuff matters.
- Allan Mitchell
- Allan Mitchell
Samanski primarily plays center on the team's top line. He is also a key member of the penalty kill unit, which has seen significant improvement during the season, in large part due to his relentless work ethic.
Standing at 6'3", he has successfully translated his power-forward game from the German DEL to North American ice. Coaches have noted his steady improvement in physicality and confidence with the puck as the season progressed.
«He's got a little bit better each game,» said Condors head coach Colin Chaulk. "I said before last game, 'Hey, Josh. I think that was your best game.' And he said, 'You say that every game.'
I said, 'Well, I think you're getting a little bit better each game...I've noticed the physicality, the confidence with the puck. Those areas are in a positive space right now.»
I said, 'Well, I think you're getting a little bit better each game...I've noticed the physicality, the confidence with the puck. Those areas are in a positive space right now.»
In 29 games, Josh has 5G and 23 points, is a plus-4, and scores at a rate of .82 points per game.
His big frame and power-forward attack will fit nicely in Edmonton's bottom-6, a role most analysts project for him.
It's not only the coaches that have noticed his strong development, however, as NHL.com predicts Josh Samanski will represent his native Team Germany at the Winter Olympics in Cortina, Milan, right alongside his Edmonton buddy Leon Draisaitl.
If he hasn't already been called-up by then, the Olympics could be a preview of what Edmonton can expect when playing head-to-head against the best in world, and alongside the best in the world.
In April of 2025, Edmonton signed Samanski to a two-year entry-level contract at an AAV of $975K.