Oilers Alter Lineup: Kapanen Back, Samanski Debuts vs. Ducks

The Edmonton Oilers will roll out a noticeably different lineup when they face the Anaheim Ducks Monday night, with multiple changes coming up front and in goal.

Kasperi Kapanen is set to return to the lineup after missing time with another injury. He spoke to the media Monday morning and said he was simply excited to be back on the ice and hopeful there are “no more setbacks.”

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His return comes at the expense of Andrew Mangiapane, who will be a healthy scratch despite being available. Alec Regula and Calvin Pickard are also out after working late at the morning skate. Neither will play.

Related: Samanski Earns Call-Up as Oilers Send Howard Back to AHL

The bigger storyline, however, is the NHL debut of Josh Samanski. The 23-year-old centre has earned his first call-up after a strong season with the Bakersfield Condors, where he posted seven goals and 28 points in 39 games while rarely seeing power-play time. Samanski is tied for sixth in the entire AHL in five-on-five scoring and has built a reputation as a reliable two-way pivot.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch praised Samanski’s defensive awareness, skating, and ability to break up cycle plays, noting that his size and positioning help turn defense into transition offense. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Samanski fits the profile of a defensively responsible centre — something the Oilers have been searching for in their bottom six.

Tristan Jarry will get the start in goal for Edmonton, likely opposite Anaheim’s Ville Husso.

Can Kapanen Pick Up Where He Left Off for the Oilers?

Kapanen was playing well in his return and hopes to pick up where he left off. Samanski will have a strong opportunity to show whether he can fill a much-needed third-line role as the Oilers continue to tweak their lineup. Mangipane continues to struggle, and trade is likely, even though it’s more logical to happen after the Olympic break.

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