In their recent pursuit of the Stanley Cup, the Edmonton Oilers have repeatedly shipped out future assets for immediate help, leaving their prospect pool depleted. Stan Bowman procured some of the best European and collegiate talent available to help restock the shelves, and so far, the biggest success story of these experiments is Josh Samanski.

The Oilers signed the 23-year-old German to an entry-level contract last summer after his productive season for the Straubing Tigers in the DEL. He possesses tools that coaches covet in their bottom six: a big 6-foot-2 frame, versatility to play centre or wing, and a top-notch defensive IQ.

Samanski started the season in the AHL, where he scored 31 points in 45 games. On Jan. 26, he earned a call-up with the Oilers.

In his first run in the NHL, he played a responsible two-way game right out of the gate, holding the opposition to just 1.75 expected goals against per hour. That’s the second-best rate by any Oilers forward to play at least 20 games this season. He also played about 11 minutes on the penalty kill, and the team didn’t concede a goal in that time. He may see an increased role there next season.

While Samanski’s defensive game is solid, things don’t come as naturally to him offensively. He scored two goals in 24 games with the Oilers this season, and didn’t shoot either of them past the goalie.

His first NHL goal came off the stick of Oliver Bjorkstrand, who inadvertently shovelled the puck into his own net after winning a board battle. His second tally deflected off the skate of a Vancouver Canucks defender while he was attempting a backdoor pass to Trent Frederic. It wasn’t until his 25th game — his first playoff game — that he finally shot a puck into the net.

Samanski’s defensive abilities and occasional offensive contributions were enough to outscore and out-chance the opposition at five-on-five. That justifies a spot on the NHL roster next season, but does he have more to give?

Samanski’s unexpected rise poses questions for the future of Edmonton’s centre depth. Henrique’s contract has expired, so Samanski should slot in at fourth-line centre next season. But what is his ceiling?

On a recent episode of OilersNation Everyday, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta said he believes Jason Dickinson could get $5 million or more per season in free agency this summer. Unless the Oilers can move out money, there’s a possibility they get priced out of the Dickinson sweepstakes.

If that’s the case, it’s a risky proposition to have Samanski as the third-line centre, given his lack of experience. His defensive details are already third-line calibre, but he needs to add more offence to his toolkit. Perhaps Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or another short-term veteran addition can serve as a stopgap.

Right now, Samanski is reliable enough to be on the NHL roster on a nightly basis, but he will need to take another step if he wants to move his way up the depth chart.