Josh Samanski's Remarkable Journey from German League to Edmonton Oilers Roster
Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch experienced a genuine revelation during training camp when he witnessed the capabilities of German-born center Josh Samanski. The 23-year-old's unexpected rise to the NHL represents one of the most compelling stories in professional hockey this season.
A Family Steeped in Athletic Excellence
Samanski comes from an extraordinary athletic family where sports excellence appears to be genetic. His father John, born in Oshawa, Ontario, played college hockey at Bowling Green in Ohio, winning an NCAA championship alongside future NHL players Dave Ellett, Garry Galley, and Gino Cavallini.
After moving to Germany, John met his wife, a special needs teacher, and together they raised seven exceptionally athletic children. The Samanski family includes four hockey players, one professional basketball player, a track star, and a dressage rider. Josh's sister Lilly currently competes as a pole vaulter at the University of Oklahoma, reaching for the sky while her brother achieves his own lofty goals in professional hockey.
The Path to Professional Hockey
Samanski considers himself a hybrid Canadian-German athlete, having played junior A hockey in Brantford, Ontario—Wayne Gretzky's hometown—at age 16 before moving to the OHL's Owen Sound Attack at 17. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted his return to Germany in 2020, where he developed his game in the DEL2 before advancing to the top-tier DEL with Straubing.
His journey back to North America this season has been nothing short of remarkable. As a free agent signing, Samanski has become the 24th player developed in Bakersfield to earn a promotion to the Oilers, achieving this milestone far quicker than most observers anticipated.
Making an Impression in the AHL
During his time with the Bakersfield Condors, Samanski demonstrated his value as a consistent even-strength contributor. While he received less powerplay time than fellow free-agent signee Viljami Marjala, Samanski managed to collect 24 of his 28 points in 39 games at even strength, ranking him third best on the Condors in that category.
His substantial 6'3", 200-pound frame provides the physical presence that the Oilers organization values, particularly for a third-line center role. The team plans to deploy him between Matt Savoie and Jack Roslovic in his NHL debut against the Anaheim Ducks.
Coach Knoblauch's Eye-Opening Assessment
Coach Kris Knoblauch admitted that Samanski's capabilities took the coaching staff by surprise. "When he came here ... you never know what he'll provide, especially with a coaching staff that had never seen him play. We didn't know what he was or if he would ever play in the NHL," Knoblauch revealed.
The coach continued, "But he made a very strong impression on everybody, although he wasn't ready for the NHL from day one. In Bakersfield, he didn't thrive at getting points because he didn't play much on the powerplay but he's been a very good 5-on-5 player. He gives us a bit more physicality to our lineup."
Financial Considerations and Roster Management
Samanski's promotion involves strategic financial considerations for the Oilers organization. The team managed their salary cap by swapping out winger Ike Howard's $1.62 million cap hit (including performance bonuses) for Samanski's more manageable $1.46 million contract. How long the German-born center remains with the Oilers will depend on his on-ice performance and ongoing salary cap management.
Samanski's Perspective on His NHL Opportunity
The young center acknowledged that returning to North American hockey after five years presented challenges. "It was a bit of a learning curve, but the staff and players helped me adjust, improving my two-way game," Samanski explained.
While he didn't anticipate reaching the NHL this season, Samanski recognized the opportunity he had created for himself. "This is why you come over if you want a chance ... I'm very happy for the opportunity to showcase my skills," he stated with evident enthusiasm for his upcoming debut.
Samanski's journey from German professional hockey to the Edmonton Oilers roster represents a testament to perseverance, international talent development, and the unpredictable nature of professional sports careers. His unique background and rapid ascent have captured the attention of coaches, teammates, and hockey enthusiasts across Canada.
