Edmonton Oilers
Draisaitl Taking Samanski Under His Wing Could Be Massive for the Oilers
Is Josh Samanski on a path to becoming a linemate for Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton?
As long as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are around, the Oilers will always be pressed against the salary cap and competing for a Stanley Cup. It’s the same model the Pittsburgh Penguins followed for 16 straight years with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin — all-in to win, every single season.
There are far more positives than negatives that come with operating in that territory, but one of the biggest challenges is filling out the depth of the roster. Because of that, hitting on bargain signings or young players on cheap contracts can make a world of difference, and what we’ve seen from Josh Samanski at the Olympics should have Oilers fans optimistic they may have found one.
The 23-year-old had yet to touch the scoresheet heading into Tuesday’s do-or-die clash with France, but he broke through in a big way, registering two points (one goal, one assist) in a 5-1 win, connecting with his fellow countryman and Oilers teammate Draisaitl on both.
Despite having looked solid in a key top-six role for Germany — including time on the top power-play unit, which he capitalized on Tuesday — it had to feel good for Samanski to get the monkey off his back and contribute offensively.
That should only boost his confidence heading into Wednesday’s quarterfinal against Slovakia and, in turn, when he returns to North America — whether that be with Bakersfield in the AHL or back in the NHL with the Oilers.
No matter where he finishes the 2025-26 campaign, this experience will be invaluable. Representing his country on the international stage while learning firsthand from one of the best players in the world is something that could pay huge dividends — especially as he hopes to carve out a permanent role alongside Draisaitl in Edmonton for years to come.
We know the Oilers have constantly searched for even just one consistent linemate for Draisaitl throughout his career. While he dominates regardless of the circumstances, the thought of a fellow German — one who has already found success at a young age in the DEL — developing into a legitimate option on his wing is tantalizing. At just $975,000 for the rest of this season and next — and likely still relatively cheap beyond that — he represents exactly the kind of youthful injection and potential breakout the Oilers desperately need.
Next: Could the Oilers Consider a Move for Leon Draisaitl’s German Linemate?
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