He played one season with the Edmonton Oilers but that’s all he needed to know that it’s time he head back overseas to resume his hockey career. Defenseman Yohann Auvitu has decided that he’ll be leaving the NHL and during an interview with ’s time with Finland’s MTV (link in Finnish), he notes that he’s not sure exactly where he’ll land. Because he is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2018, the Oilers will not hold any rights to Auvitu’s contract should he choose to return.
In 33 games for the Oilers, Auvitu had three goals and six assists. He was brought in after spending some time with the New Jersey Devils in the hopes the Oilers could use his propensity for offense as a tool on the blueline. With one of the worst power plays in the NHL, Edmonton was likely not going to keep Auvitu and his minimal role meant he was an expendable asset.
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According to the interview (some of the items get lost in translation), Auvitu felt as though he had played well enough to deserve more playing time in the NHL. Because he wasn’t getting it, he wanted to go to a league that would give him bigger minutes and more responsibility.
Currently, Auvitu is playing with France at the World Championships. It will be his ninth appearance with that squad. He is the third player this offseason to leave the Oilers organization and head back overseas. Edmonton lost Anton Slepyshev and Iiro Pakarinen earlier this month.
