"Ashton has developed into a good pro and has shown continual growth over the past three seasons playing in the American league," said Benning. "He has provided stability to the defence and played important minutes in Utica. We're excited to have him in our organization providing further depth to our blueline."

Sautner, 23, has recorded 11 points (2-9-11) in 53 games with the Comets this season. The 6-0, 194-pound defenceman leads all Utica skaters in plus/minus with a +12 rating and ranks third among blueliners with 75 shots on goal. In 150 career AHL games, all with Utica, Sautner has registered 27 points (6-21-27).

Prior to beginning his professional career in 2015, Sautner spent four seasons with the WHL Edmonton Oil Kings from 2011-2015, collecting 117 points (24-93-117) in 265 games. He helped the Oil Kings capture the 2014 Memorial Cup.

A native of Flaxcombe, Saskatchewan, Sautner was originally signed by Vancouver as a free agent on March 14, 2015.