Devils complete defence with Jimmy Oligny

The Devils are pleased to confirm the signing of defenceman Jimmy Oligny.

The 32 year old Canadian joins the Devils from the Graz 99ers, where he finished the 2024-25 season after starting the year in Slovakia with HKM Zvolen.

Before making the move overseas last season, Oligny spent 10 years in the American Hockey League (AHL), the last six with the Manitoba Moose, the top affiliate of the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets.  He served as captain of the Moose in his final three seasons in the AHL. Pictured above: Oligny in action for Milwaukee in the AHL (photo Imago Images)Before turning pro, Oligny spent 5 seasons in the Quebec Major Junior League (QMJHL).  He was with the Prince Edward Island Rocket his first 4 years then was traded to Rimouski Oceanic for his final year.  That season, he was nominated for the league’s best defensive defenceman and at the end of the year, he signed his first professional contract with the Milwaukee Admirals.

He spent 4 seasons with Milwaukee then signed an NHL entry level contract with the Vegas Golden Knights, although he did not make the team and was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. Midway through that season, he was traded by Vegas to the Winnipeg Jets and was assigned to the Manitoba Moose where he spent the next 6 years. Pictured above: Oligny as captain in manitoba (photo Imago Images)In 2023, Oligny won the AHL's Yanick Dupré Memorial Award as "Man of the Year,” awarded annually for service to his local community, an award chosen by the league’s president.

Known for his well-rounded game and his defensive prowess, Oligny brings a ton of experience to the Devils defensive unit.  He regularly played 25+ minutes a game at the AHL level and was relied upon to match up against the other team’s top line. 

His final year in the AHL was spent recovering from an injury, which kept him out of action for the start of last season, but he was fully recovered and signed a couple months into the 2024-25 season in Slovakia before moving to Austria.  He finished the 2024-25 season strong with Graz, playing 23 league games and then all 7 of their playoff games. Pictured above: Oligny with graz last season (photo Imago Images)Paul Thompson spoke about signing Oligny:

“We are delighted to have signed Jimmy to complete our defensive core.

“After 10 years in the AHL and three of them as Captain of the Manitoba Moose, his leadership qualities, his impressive defensive game and his invaluable experience will further enhance our group.

“Jimmy will be a key signing for us with his presence and knowledge of the game. He is just the type of player and person I had been looking for.”

The signing of Oligny completes the defence for the 2025-26 season.  He will wear number 52 for the Devils this season.