When it comes to NHL player bios, none of this season’s rookies can compete with Devils first-year defenseman Yohann Auvitu.

Auvitu has gotten off to a hot start on American ice, with two assists and a +3 plus/minus rating through eight games. But he isn’t the usual 19-year-old college grad from Saskatchewan or 20-year-old free agent from Vladivostok. At 27, he is the NHL’s third-oldest rookie, and one of only three Frenchmen currently playing in the league. He speaks at least five languages, (almost) has an advanced business...