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The early Connor McDavid days weren’t fun.
After making the postseason in 2016-17, the first time in 11 seasons, the Oilers proceeded to miss the playoffs for the next two seasons. One of these seasons, 2017-18, was the season the Wheel of Names landed on this time. There is no better example of a forgotten Oiler from that period than Yohann Auvitu.
Born in Ivry-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris, France, the defenceman made his professional debut with Mont-Blanc in 2006-07, scoring eight goals and 10 points in 23 games. He followed that up with five goals and 10 points in 20 games, before heading to a more traditional hockey nation, Finland.
After playing a couple of seasons with JYP Jyväskylä’s under-20 team, he made his SM-Liiga debut in 2010-11, playing seven games with no points. The next season, Auvitu scored a goal and two points in 33 games while winning the league’s title. Auvitu followed that with a three-goal, 12-point season in 2012-13. His numbers took a hit in 2013-14, scoring a goal and six points in 29 games but he finally broke out after signing with HIFK Helsinki.
Auvitu blew past his career totals in 2014-15, scoring eight goals and 16 points in 55 games. The following season, his final in the SM-Liiga for a while, saw him score six goals and 21 points, with six goals and 13 points in 18 postseason games. He won the Pekka Rautakallio trophy, awarded to the best defenceman.
National Hockey League teams took note, with the New Jersey Devils signing him in May 2016. Auvitu played 25 games with the Devils, scoring two goals and four points, along with five goals and 13 points in 29 American Hockey League games. In the off-season, he signed with the Oilers for the 2017-18 season.
Admittedly, I don’t remember much of Auvitu during his tenure with the Oilers. Overall, he scored three goals and nine points in 33 games as the Oilers missed the postseason that year. After the conclusion of the season, Auvitu signed with HC Sochi of the Kontinental Hockey League where he scored two goals and six points in 25 games.
Auvitu played in his sixth nation for the 2019-20 season, signing with the Swedish Hockey League side Luleå HF where he picked up four assists in 18 games. He stuck around in the Nordic countries, re-signing with HIFK Helsinki in 2020-21 where he scored a goal and two points in five games, followed by a six-goal, 25-point season in 46 games in 2021-22.
The defenceman returned to the KHL, signing with Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik where he had a goal and three points in 20 games. Auvitu found out about a new country, signing with Genève-Servette Hockey Club of the National League in Sweden. In 17 games, he scored a goal and seven points, playing two postseason games as they won the league’s title.
Looking at Auvitu’s career on a map is crazy, to say the least. His final team, at least as of now, is HC Vítkovice Ridera in Czechia. In 2023-24, he scored four goals and 16 points in 35 games, along with a goal and an assist in three postseason games. Auvitu currently plays for them, where he has a goal and nine points in 29 games.
It’s been a wild career for the defenceman. Perhaps he could play in the United Kingdom’s Elite Ice Hockey League next to really say he’s done it all. His National Hockey League tenure was brief, but he performed well with the 2017-18 Oilers.
More must-reads:
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- The 'MLB mascot names' quiz
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Oilers Could Offer a Veteran Forward a Better Shot… Somewhere Else
Despite already making several roster moves this summer, the Edmonton Oilers might not be done just yet. According to Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer, the team could be considering another trade to trim its forward group. “The Oilers already got a lot of forwards right now,” he noted last week. “They might be moving a guy out.” Edmonton has retooled up front following several departures in free agency and trades. The additions of Andrew Mangiapane, Isaac (Ike) Howard, Matt Savoie, and Curtis Lazar were made to help fill those gaps, but there are questions about whether another top-six winger—and possibly a goaltender—are still needed to push the team back into Stanley Cup contention. In order to bring in more help — or at least create the cap room to discuss another move — someone may need to go. Would Henrique Be Open to a Bigger Role and Security Elsewhere? Despite having a no-move clause, Adam Henrique’s name continues to surface when it comes to a roster change. The Oilers are limited in what they can do unless an option he likes pops up. Set to earn $3 million this season, the veteran center may find himself bumped to the fourth line, a pricey role given internal options like Lazar or Noah Philp. The key to any move might be conving him that he’d have a great opportunity to increase his role and earn another contract on a different roster. The Oilers asked Henrique if he’d be open to waiving his no-trade clause. He declined. Whether they’ll revisit that idea down the line if he’s relegated to limited minutes remains to be seen. At 35 years old, Henrique might not have many years left. That said, a two or three-year deal somewhere would help him finish off his career, and he’s not likely to get that in Edmonton. How much does a chance to win trump landing somewhere that wants him and is willing to extend him? If not Henrique, Mattias Janmark is the easier forward to move. With no trade protection and a $1.45 million cap hit, the 32-year-old could be the odd man out—especially after a lackluster offensive year and a recent minor injury. Kasperi Kapanen, also without trade protection, appears safe after signing a new deal this summer. That said, if things start slowly and neither Henrique nor Janmark are moved, the Oilers could explore a Kapanen trade.
Shedeur Sanders gets new chance after Browns QB injury
Shedeur Sanders has been working with the Cleveland Browns' equipment staff as the No. 4 quarterback this summer. He'll have a new opportunity following the troubling injury news for Kenny Pickett. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Pickett suffered a hamstring injury during Saturday's practice and will not receive reps until his issue is re-evaluated. "Browns QB Kenny Pickett injured his hamstring near the end of Saturday’s practice and is expected to re-evaluate the injury later this week, per sources," Schefter posted on X. "Pickett was coming off a strong couple of practices, per sources, and at least for the short term, there now will be more reps for Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Pickett's injury will shake up the quarterback race in Cleveland. Through OTAs and early in training camp, Sanders has been the odd man out as the only signal caller on the roster not to receive reps with the first-team offense. It's unclear if the Browns coaching staff intends to give Sanders reps with the first-team offense now that Pickett is sidelined, but the fifth-round pick will have more chances this week to prove that he deserves an opportunity to stay in Cleveland. The Browns are in a unique situation with their rookie quarterbacks. Third-round pick Dillon Gabriel was selected before Sanders, but the son of Deion Sanders fell to Day 3 of the draft for reasons other than talent. The majority of draft analysts had Sanders as a better-graded quarterback than Gabriel, and many thought the Colorado product would be taken in the first round. The Browns can use the injury as an excuse to give Sanders reps with the first team, and it's a task they need to take advantage of before the team names a starter. Sanders has the potential to be a starter in the league, and this week is pivotal for his rookie season in Cleveland.
New report suggests Christian Wilkins release related to 'incident' with teammate
There may be more to Christian Wilkins’ recent surprise release from the Las Vegas Raiders. NFL reporter Josina Anderson reported Saturday that "some sources believe an incident involving a teammate may have factored in-part into the Raiders' fatigue and release" of Wilkins. The nature of the incident is not clear. However, many believe the Raiders had a very good reason to move on from Wilkins considering the money they had invested in him. It also suggests the Raiders saw no alternative if they went straight to a release. Wilkins was dumped by the Raiders just one year into a four-year, $110 million deal. The Raiders suggested Wilkins failed to take rehab seriously as he tries to work his way back from a foot injury. Other teams do not appear to have the same concerns about Wilkins as the Raiders did, and he should find a new landing spot fairly easily. That is one of the reasons some suspect there is more to the Raiders’ decision than they are publicly saying.
Ten most egregious MLB Hall of Fame snubs by position
On July 27, first baseman/third baseman Dick Allen, outfielders Ichiro Suzuki and Dave Parker and pitchers CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. They will join the 351 players already immortalized, either for their performance on the diamond or their contributions to the game itself. While many of the greatest players in MLB history have been enshrined in Cooperstown, there have been several who have yet to join their ranks. Let's take a look at the biggest snubs for the Hall of Fame by position. Catcher: Thurman Munson The heart and soul of the New York Yankees in the 1970s, Munson was a fiery leader who was named the sixth captain in franchise history. A seven-time All-Star, Munson posted a .292/.346/.410 batting line with 113 homers and 229 doubles over parts of 11 seasons. The 1970 AL Rookie of the Year and 1976 AL MVP was just 32 years old when he died as the airplane he was flying crashed, trapping Munson in the wreckage. First base: Keith Hernandez Hernandez is better known for his appearance on "Seinfeld" and as a commentator during New York Mets' broadcasts these days, but he is arguably the best defensive first baseman in MLB history. Hernandez won a record 11 Gold Glove awards at first, and his 120 runs saved is the most of any first baseman. A five-time All-Star and a 1979 co-NL MVP, Hernandez was a solid hitter as well, slashing .296/.384/.436 during his career with 162 homers and 426 doubles. His 60.3 bWAR is the most of any eligible first baseman not tied to PED allegations who is not already enshrined. Second base: Lou Whitaker Whitaker, by virtually any measure, should already be in the Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, he received just 2.9% of the vote in his only year on the ballot. A five-time All-Star, Whitaker was one of the best all-around second basemen of his era. He had a .276/.363/.426 batting line with 2,369 hits, 244 homers and 420 doubles while stealing 143 bases. Whitaker was the 1978 AL Rookie of the Year, won three Gold Glove awards and was a four-time Silver Slugger. His 75.1 bWAR is the sixth most of any second baseman in MLB history. His enshrinement is long overdue. Third base: Buddy Bell Bell had the misfortune of playing during the careers of two of the greatest third basemen in MLB history — Mike Schmidt and George Brett. Nonetheless, Bell had an impressive career in his own right. A five-time All-Star, he batted .279/.341/.406 with 2,514 hits, 201 homers and 425 doubles. Bell was a six-time Gold Glove winner and ranks third all-time in runs saved at the hot corner. Shortstop: Bill Dahlen One of the best shortstops of the dead-ball era, Dahlen is a forgotten great of the game. "Bad Bill," so nicknamed due to his battles with umpires and fiery temperament, put up a .272/.358/.382 slash line with 2,461 hits, 413 doubles and 163 triples. Although his 975 errors at short are the second most in MLB history, he was considered an excellent defensive shortstop with great range during his playing days. His 75.3 bWAR is the sixth-best of any shortstop, helping revive his Hall of Fame candidacy. Left field: Barry Bonds Bonds faces an uphill climb to enshrinement due to suspicions of PED usage and his connection to the BALCO scandal. Nevertheless, no one can argue his greatness on the diamond. Bonds was a 14-time All-Star, a seven-time NL MVP, won 12 Silver Slugger awards and eight Gold Gloves. The single-season and career home run leader, Bonds boasted a .298/.444/.607 batting line with 2,935 hits, 762 homers and 601 doubles while stealing 514 bases. He is one of just eight members of the 300 homer/300 stolen base club and the only player in the 400-400 and 500-500 clubs. Center field: Kenny Lofton As was the case with Whitaker, Lofton had just one year on the Hall of Fame ballot, earning 3.2% of the vote. However, like Whitaker, Lofton is one of the best at his position in major league history. Although overshadowed by teammates such as Albert Belle and Manny Ramirez during his time in Cleveland, Lofton was a six-time All-Star and won four Gold Glove awards. He has a career .299/.372/.423 batting line with 2,428 hits, 130 homers and 383 doubles while stealing 622 bases. Lofton's 68.4 bWAR ranks ninth in MLB history, the highest mark of anyone either not enshrined or eligible for induction. Right field: Dwight Evans Evans was the victim of timing. Had he played in the Moneyball Era, he likely would have been a first-ballot Hall of Famer due to his ability to work counts, get on base and hit for power. Overlooked for much of his career, the three-time All-Star had a .272/.370/.470 batting line with 2,446 hits, 385 homers and 483 doubles. An eight-time Gold Glove winner, Evans ranks in the top 20 all-time in putouts (4,247, third), assists (155, 15th), double plays (42, ninth) and runs saved (71, 13th) in right. Starting pitcher: Roger Clemens As is the case with Bonds, Clemens' Hall of Fame case is hurt by PED allegations. Baseball history cannot be written without acknowledging Clemens' place therein. An 11-time All-Star, Clemens won a record seven Cy Young awards, doing so in three different decades. He went 354-184 with a 3.12 ERA and a 1.173 WHiP over his 4916.2 innings, striking out 4672 batters, including a pair of 20-strikeout games — the only pitcher to strike out 20 batters in a game twice. Relief pitcher: Firpo Marberry One could argue that Marberry was the prototype for what became the closer role. Although he would function as a starter, including five years where he started most of his appearances, Marberry was a dominant force out of the bullpen. He twice reached double digits in wins and saves in the same season (1924 and 1926). Overall, Marberry produced a 148-88 record while recording 99 saves, retroactively leading the AL seven times and leading the majors six times. He pitched to a 3.63 ERA and a 1.323 WHIP in 2,067.1 innings, ranking seventh in bWAR (31.7) among any pitcher with at least 60% of their appearances coming out of the bullpen.
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