TROY — The Albany Devils, reduced to 11 available forwards because of injuries and call-ups, have been practicing with defenseman Yohann Auvitu up front and likely will play him there in Friday night’s game at Providence.

“We talked to a couple of defensemen potentially about playing up front,” Devils coach Rick Kowalsky said. “The perfect scenario for that guy is if he can give you minutes up front, then if you need him on the back end.”

Defenseman Brandon Gormley, who has a little experience at forward, also has been used, although it appears likely that the Devils will dress seven defenseman at Providence and use Auvitu on a regular forward shift.

Auvitu, a 27-year-old from France, is an offensive-minded defenseman. He has three goals and seven assists in 19 games for Albany.

“He’s a good skater,” Kowalsky said. “He looked pretty good up there. We’ll reevaluate tomorrow and see where we’re at.”

The Devils will be without Ben Sexton (upper body) and Ryan Kujawinski (illness). Forwards John Quenneville and Max Novak missed Saturday night’s game in St. John’s, each with a charley horse, but they are expected to be available Friday night.