Edmonton Oilers: Everything to Know About Yohann Auvitu

The Edmonton Oilers signed defenceman Yohann Auvitu to a one-year contract, the team announced Monday.

Auvitu, 27, played in 25 games with the New Jersey Devils this past season, posting two goals and four points. He also appeared in 29 games with AHL affiliate Albany, scoring five goals and 13 points. Prior to entering the NHL undrafted, Auvitu played six seasons in Finland’s SM-Liiga. Through 216 career games, he played 19 goals and 57 points.

Edmonton Oilers

In addition to an impressive career, Auvitu has represented his country on multiple occasions. Hailing from Ivry-sur-Seine, France, Auvitu has played for France at eight World Hockey Championships. He has also appeared in three World Junior Hockey Championships between 2007 and 2009.

The 5-foot-11, 191-pound blueliner is a left-hand shot and plays a stay-at-home game. He is also physical and knows how to throw his weight around. Though he doesn’t possess a huge frame, Auvitu still matches up with his opponents; however, he could make room to be more aggressive.

What does catch the eye of critics is his puck-moving ability. Not only can he serve as an asset on special teams, but he can produce offensively and create chances with the offensive edge he adds to his game.

The Oilers likely signed Auvitu to add more depth to the Bakersfield roster. With the loss of Griffin Reinhart in the expansion draft, Edmonton needed to find another left-handed defender with puck-moving ability. He will likely add depth to the roster and play a vital role as the Oilers bring in more defencemen like Caleb Jones and Ethan Bear to develop toward the NHL.

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Despite the fact that Auvitu was likely meant to be a depth signing for Bakersfield, he could see time at the NHL level, especially if Andrej Sekera is out for the first 6-9 months and the Oilers need more insurance.