Edmonton Oilers have found diamond in the rough with waiver claim
Photo credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
In the Oilers' win over the Winnipeg Jets last night, defenseman Alec Regula easily played his best game of the year, showing why he should be a regular in the lineup.
I believe the Jets game was Alec Regula's best of his pro career. He and Darnell Nurse were very good. Regula played a season-high 21:33. He had three blocked shots, High Danger Scoring Chances 5v5 were 8-4 and he was right in the middle of it physically as well. When you are 6'4 212 LBS, and have a wingspan like Regula, you need to use it to your advantage. Regula's strength is his puck moving ability. But his ability to defense is what will ultimately keep him in the lineupand in the league.
- Kurt Leavins
- Kurt Leavins
Waiver-claim paying dividends for Oilers
When Edmonton claimed Regula from waivers on December 11, 2024 from the Bruins, he was on the LTIR. He then remained on the injured reserve with the Oilers for the rest of the season as he continued his rehabilitation.
Even so, Edmonton signed him to a 2 year, $775K AAV contract on May 2nd, a clear sign that the Oilers were high on the 25-year old, right-handed defenseman.
Alec Regula's 2025-2026 season with the Oilers started strong, impressing in camp, but was interrupted by a significant injury in early October, causing him to miss time.
After returning in November, he initially seemed rusty, but quickly regained form, showing sharp, steady play, particularly with crisp passes and good defensive instincts.
He's now earning more ice time (21:33 TOI vs Jets) and demonstrating he is a valuable, steady, big-bodied defenseman with good skating and puck skills.
Alec won't show-up on the scoresheet, but his dependable style of play is precisely what the Oilers need from him, balancing the right-side defense, and providing stability to the team's more offensive-minded blueliners.
Now, with their 6-2 win over the Jets last night, the Edmonton Oilers finally worked their way into a Wild card spot in the Western Conference.
The Oilers' lineup seems to have solidified of late, and Regula is a big reason why.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 7 | 690 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers have found diamond in the rough with waiver claim Should Alec Regula be a regular on the Oilers' defense-corps? | ||
| yes | 575 | 83.3 % |
| no | 115 | 16.7 % |
| List of polls | ||