2 Oilers defenceman may be placed on trade block entering regular season
According to analyst Allan Mitchell, the logjam at the right-side defense position could result in Edmonton Oilers making a trade before the season begins on October 8.
Alec Regula has shown well so far in camp and could push for a job this fall. That would mean one of Ty Emberson or Troy Stecher could be made available in a trade. Both are right-handed defencemen, always an area general managers are looking to add in deals. Could one of them go before opening night? Would Regula's waiver worry be enough to make it happen?
- Allan Michell
- Allan Michell
Defense prospect a possibility for big club, while two more could be traded before season start
Stan Bowman sees the 25-year-old Alec Regula as just entering his prime producing years, with a higher puck-moving ceiling than Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher.
Regula, given his preseason play thus far, would get a call-up first when he's ready and there's a spot on the roster, should he clear waivers enroute to the AHL.
Unless, of course, Regula makes the NHL roster straight from Oilers' training camp, a scenario that is becoming more of a reality deeper into the preseason schedule.
This reality exposes defenseman for a possible trade. Based on recent analysis, the Edmonton Oilers face a dilemma on their right defense, with Ty Emberson and Troy Stetcher falling behind Alec Regula on the depth chart for a roster spot.
Regula, a former third-round pick, offers a bigger frame at 6'4" and better puck-moving capabilities. He has impressed in preseason after missing the 2024-25 season due to injury.
The Oilers are tight on cap space also. Trading Emberson, who has a higher cap hit than Regula ($1.3M vs. $775K), would provide more cap flexibility, allowing for trade for a depth scoring forward.
Troy Stecher is a veteran at 31-years old and is on an expiring contract; he could be traded for a draft pick or depth forward also, clearing salary and a roster spot for the younger Regula, who has a potentially higher ceiling, according to Oilers Nation.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 1 | 662 ANSWERS 2 Oilers defenceman may be placed on trade block entering regular season Who is the most likely defenseman to be traded this year? | ||
| Alec Regula | 76 | 11.5 % |
| Ty Emberson | 241 | 36.4 % |
| Troy Stecher | 345 | 52.1 % |
| List of polls | ||