Bakersfield Detours Now Pay Off for Howard and Samanski

Two forwards who spent most of last season in Bakersfield arrived at Edmonton Oilers rookie camp on Friday with a path to an opening-night roster spot in front of them.

Injuries to Matt Savoie and Mattias Janmark created the opening. Savoie is recovering from an undisclosed injury sustained in the offseason. Janmark had surgery in March, also for an undisclosed injury.

Isaac Howard is the one aiming at the top six. The 22-year-old had 50 points (24 goals, 26 assists) in 47 games with the Condors last season, plus five points in 29 games with Edmonton. He had hoped to step straight into the NHL after winning the 2025 Hobey Baker Award at Michigan State, but three points in 17 games sent him to the AHL. He was recalled Jan. 3 for an 11-game stint.

"It was amazing just getting down there and working with the coaching staff, they were awesome," Howard said. "I spent a lot of time with (coach) Colin Chaulk just going over my game details and how we can get better. I watched a lot of video and asked a lot of questions, just learning. I was put in a lot of different situations, which I think is really important and I think that helped me a lot."

Howard, drafted 31st overall by Tampa Bay in 2022, was acquired by Edmonton for Sam O'Reilly on July 8, 2025.

Josh Samanski had 31 points (eight goals, 23 assists) in 45 games with Bakersfield before a Jan. 26 recall. The 24-year-old German finished the year in Edmonton with four points in 24 games, then added a goal and an assist in five playoff games. In between, he centered Germany's top line at the Olympics alongside Leon Draisaitl.

"Last year was new for me and I didn't know what was coming," Samanski said. "The difference for me this year is that I know what's coming."

He is expected to compete for a checking-line center job.