Dmitri Samorukov

October 2022 – Samorukov has been traded to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for winger Klim Kostin. Curtis Rines

June 2022 – Samorukov showed solid progression last season, his second in the AHL. The young defender saw his points total jump from 10 points in 47 games to 18 in 51 as he continued to take on more responsibility for the Condors. There might be some ruffled feathers between the player and the organization. Samorukov made his NHL debut this season as he played one game with the Oilers. In that game, one in which he flew his wife in to watch, Samorukov made a couple mistakes and ended up being benched after playing just 2:28. Not exactly a great message to send to a young player and then Samorukov was then sent back down to Bakersfield. In March, Edmonton re-signed the Russian rearguard to a one-year contract. The term is not exactly encouraging and with Samorukov being waiver eligible, it is tough to say what the plan for him this season will be. Despite likely needing at least one more season in the AHL before being a legitimate NHL option, if Samorukov does not see at least some NHL time, it is tough to see him wanting to return next year. Jameson Ewasiuk

October 2020 – Last season really brought the expectations for Samorukov back down to Earth. His final season in the OHL was excellent but his 10 points in 47 games as an AHL rookie last year showed that he is a solid prospect but by no means a sure thing. This season, the young Russian defender is on loan to CSKA Moskva and has had a strong start to the tune of two goals and five points in 11 games. Samorukov is not a dynamic offensive defender by any means but if he can continue to develop his offensive game, he could be a top-four defender in the NHL in the future. Jameson Ewasiuk

March 2020 – Samorukov’s first season in the AHL has been a relatively quiet one and as expected, a year of adjustments. His defensive game has translated well to the pro level and his offensive game is a work in progress. To date, the young Russian has recorded two goals and nine points in 44 games for the Condors this season. His low production could be attributed to playing behind Caleb Jones, Evan Bouchard, William Lagesson and Logan Day on the offensive depth chart for the first part of the year. When Caleb Jones was recalled, Samorukov found himself behind Evan Bouchard, Joel Persson and Logan Day. Joel Persson was recently traded to the Anaheim Ducks at the NHL trade deadline which means that Samorukov should receive more minutes and more consistent power play until William Lagesson is reassigned. Samorukov’s offensive upside is not likely as high as some of Edmonton’s other young defenders but he does have some upside in that regard that he has not tapped into at the pro level yet. Edmonton may have to be patient with Samorukov which should not be a problem with all the young emerging defensemen that they have had this season. Jameson Ewasiuk

March 2019 – Samorukov’s slow start to the season (six points in the first 23 games) seems like a thing of the past since he has exploded offensively since the end of November. In his last 34 games, the young defender has recorded an impressive 37 points and his 43 total points on the season place him 16th in the league. He was also an assistant captain for Russia at the World Junior Championship where he recorded four points in seven games. The young Russian won’t turn 20 until June and will be looking to make an impact on the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL next season. The Condors’ blue line could be crowded next season since Evan Bouchard, Joel Persson and Samorukov could all find themselves on the squad as AHL rookies. Jameson Ewasiuk

December 2018 – After recording just six points in the first 23 games of the season, Samorukov has really come on offensively in the last six game tallying nine points. His recent production is impressive but may not last as he isn’t known for his offensive abilities. Don’t be surprised if he finds a happy medium between his slow start and his hot streak. Samorukov was invited to the Russian World Junior camp and should have a good shot at making the team having played on it last year. Jameson Ewasiuk

July 2018 – Dmitri Samorukov is a two-way defender with an improving offensive game. He has been praised by Guelph Storm coach/GM George Burnett for his strong skating, his ability to play in all situations (including the powerplay) and his overall determination. The young defender has just completed his second season in the OHL and recorded 11 goals and 34 points in 62 games played. His numbers from last season saw improvement compared to his rookie campaign with the Storm. He also recorded one assist in five games at the WJC, and two assists in five games for the Bakersfield Condors. Samorukov has a solid overall skill set and if he can continue to develop his offensive game then he could potentially become a fantasy player to watch in the future. Jameson Ewasiuk