An Olympic tournament that brought a lot of different emotions for each team should ultimately bring some hope for Edmonton Oilers fans. We know Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are going to get right back to work and be the stars they are, but another Oiler who was in Italy could also provide more than what was initially expected of him.
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Josh Samanski joined Draisaitl in representing Team Germany at the Games, and despite his young age, he was an integral part of the team’s push for a medal that ultimately fell short in the quarterfinals. He recorded two points in five games, playing primarily in the top-six and even on the power play. His play over the last few weeks and throughout the season so far shows that he could be a big part of this Oilers team moving forward.
Samanski Has Been Stellar Everywhere
Samanski was an important part of Germany’s squad at the Olympics, but he also had a great start to his NHL career before that. He has a couple points in five games and has made his presence known at both ends of the ice. He is also a good faceoff guy when he gets the chance. The promise he has shown is a good sign.
The balanced and aggressive play we’re seeing now isn’t something new for him either. He was a consistent force playing in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) for many seasons and had a tremendous preseason for the Oilers as well. Samanski hasn’t seemed to waver in moving from league to league.
He has also had a standout first season in the American Hockey League (AHL). Samanski has 28 points in 40 games and ranks eighth on the team in points. His two-way play is easy to see, and if he can keep evolving as a professional, his role may become larger as well.
How Samanski Can Impact Oilers
There is a bit of uncertainty coming out of the break as to who’s in and who’s out of the Oilers’ lineup. With Adam Henrique ready to return from injury soon and both Samanski and Matt Savoie in the AHL waiting to be called back up, the team has to decide who they want to roll with for the next while. Samanski has earned another look in the NHL and should be called up; it’s just a matter of space right now.
Should he get the call, Samanski has a great opportunity to step up and become more important, like he was at the Olympics. He has a great combination of size and speed, along with incredible hockey smarts that bring a unique touch to the team’s bottom-six. His play so far at all levels shows he can have an impact on a game in all facets. He’s also shown he can keep up with elite competition, whether it be at the Games or in the NHL.
With the Oilers likely looking to make a move or two at the deadline, Samanski will especially need to prove that he deserves a spot over a potential incoming player. There is also the present debate over the players they already have, such as Henrique, Savoie, and Andrew Mangiapane. There’s only so much room in the lineup. His play over the next couple of weeks could go a long way towards him earning a more permanent spot and even joining the playoff roster when the time comes.
It may all seem like a lot for the young 23-year-old forward, but he has proved a lot in such a short amount of time. Hopefully, we see more of him as the season progresses.
