Edmonton Oilers: Yohann Auvitu Deserves Opportunity

After a strong season-opening performance against the Calgary Flames, the Edmonton Oilers defence has taken a step back.

The Oilers have been outscored 8-2 over the last two games, and Cam Talbot has been left out to dry. Not only that, the pairings aren’t showing much chemistry, and given the team’s two-game skid, it may be time for a change.

Edmonton Oilers

Head coach Todd McLellan said that defenceman Yohann Auvitu will likely get a chance to jump into action Saturday against Ottawa. The 28-year-old has been the team’s extra defender to start the season, but given their start, he deserves a chance to prove his worth.

In 25 games with the New Jersey Devils last season, he had two goals and four points and was a plus-1. He also had 20 hits and nine blocks. Auvitu also played 29 games with the Devils’ affiliate in Albany, posting five goals and 13 points in 29 games.

Despite the fact that he is not a proven puck-moving defender, he does have a lot of ability and would be a solid player to have on the backend. He takes good care of the puck and has the ability to throw his weight around. Though only 5-foot-11, 187 pounds, he can be physical and aggressive, and is a solid blueliner.

While it is unclear who he would be slotting in for, it is possible that Darnell Nurse could see time on the top-four, and Matthew Benning would move down. In turn, we would see Auvitu move to the bottom-pairing, likely slotting in for Eric Gryba.

Next: Edmonton Oilers Look to Rebound

Though he needs to work to move his legs and start adding more offensive edge to his game, he deserves to see some ice time, especially if the current blue line is struggling. Plus, it wouldn’t hurt to give him an opportunity and see what he makes of it this early.