The Edmonton Oilers have recalled forward Josh Samanski from the AHL's Bakersfield Condors, setting him up for his NHL debut on Monday against the Anaheim Ducks. In a corresponding move, forward Isaac Howard was loaned to Bakersfield. Kasperi Kapanen also returns from injury for the game at Rogers Place.
The Edmonton Oilers announced the recall of 23-year-old German forward Josh Samanski from their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, ahead of their Monday matchup with the Anaheim Ducks. This move allows Samanski to make his NHL debut during the team's ongoing eight-game homestand at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta.
Samanski, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound centreman, has impressed in his first North American professional season, recording seven goals and 21 assists for 28 points in 39 games with the Condors. Previously, he spent four years with the Straubing Tigers in Germany's Deutsche Eishockey Liga. "It's obviously awesome," Samanski said before the game. "Very excited to get things started and just experience my first game."
Head coach Kris Knoblauch praised Samanski's development, noting his strong training camp performance and reliable two-way play in the AHL. "He came to Training Camp, had an outstanding camp, made a very strong impression with everybody," Knoblauch said. Samanski's selection to join teammate Leon Draisaitl on Germany's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina adds to the excitement. "It's amazing," Samanski remarked about linking up with Draisaitl.
In the corresponding transaction, Isaac Howard was loaned to Bakersfield after posting two goals and three assists in 28 games with Edmonton this season, plus 10 goals and 13 assists in 16 AHL contests. The Oilers also welcome back winger Kasperi Kapanen from a lower-body injury that sidelined him for three games since January 18. Kapanen, who had three goals and four assists in eight games prior to the injury, joked about his setbacks: "I gotta stop getting hurt because I have to talk to you guys every time I come back."
Andrew Mangiapane will sit out to accommodate Kapanen, with goaltender Tristan Jarry starting after his recent relief appearance. Lines are projected as Nugent-Hopkins-McDavid-Hyman, Podkolzin-Draisaitl-Kapanen, and others, subject to change.