Oilers Assign Samanski and Pickard to Bakersfield Condors

Moves come ahead of Olympic break as Edmonton prepares to resume play

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The Edmonton Oilers have assigned forwards Josh Samanski and goaltender Calvin Pickard to their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, ahead of the upcoming Olympic break. Samanski earned his first NHL call-up in late January, while Pickard has been the Oilers' third-string goalie this season.

Why it matters

The Oilers are making roster moves to position their team for the stretch run after the Olympic break. Sending Samanski and Pickard to the Condors allows the players to continue getting game action, while also giving the Oilers flexibility with their NHL roster.

The details

Samanski played five consecutive games with the Oilers, earning two assists for his first NHL points. He will now join Team Germany at the Olympics along with Leon Draisaitl. Pickard has not played since January 8 and was the third goalie behind Tristan Jarry and Connor Ingram. The Condors' goaltending has been strong this season with Connor Ungar and Matt Tomkins, so Pickard will look to get playing time in the AHL.

  • The Oilers made the roster moves immediately after Wednesday's loss to the Calgary Flames.
  • The Oilers will resume play on February 25 after the Olympic break.

The players

Josh Samanski

A forward who earned his first NHL call-up with the Oilers in late January, playing five consecutive games and recording two assists.

Calvin Pickard

A 34-year-old goaltender who has been the Oilers' third-string goalie this season, but has extensive AHL experience with the Bakersfield Condors.

Connor Ungar

The Bakersfield Condors' starting goaltender who has an 8-1 record with a 1.76 goals against average and .946 save percentage since being called up from the ECHL.

Matt Tomkins

The Bakersfield Condors' other starting goaltender who has a 13-6-5 record with a 2.85 goals against average and .913 save percentage this season.

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What they’re saying

“This indicates that when the Oilers resume play on Feb. 25th, Samanski could begin in Bakersfield.”

— Michael Menzies, Author (yardbarker.com)

“Pickard cleared waivers on Monday afternoon, as his Oilers teammates lamented his departure from the group, as the 34-year-old netminder has ingrained himself as a valued teammate.”

— Michael Menzies, Author (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

The Bakersfield Condors are set to play seven games between February 6-24 during the Olympic break, allowing Samanski and Pickard to continue getting game action.

The takeaway

The Oilers are making strategic roster moves to position their team for the stretch run after the Olympic break, sending down Samanski and Pickard to the AHL to ensure they continue getting playing time while the NHL team is on break.