Edmonton Oilers have found money as new defenceman officially makes NHL team
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Oilers defenceman Alec Regula has made the opening night roster and will be playing top-four minutes after impressing through training camp.
Way back on December 11th of 2024, the Oilers claimed Regula on waivers from the Boston Bruins. He missed the entire season dealing with a knee injury, but the Oilers still signed him to a 2 year contract. GM Stan Bowman clearly believed in him and now it's paying off.
Oilers have found money with emergence of defenceman Alec Regula
Regula will play tonight's Oilers home opener alongside Darnell Nurse on the second pair - not bad for a player who wasn't expected to make the team.
There will be some restructuring of the lineup when Walman returns from injury, but the Oilers won't be getting rid of Regula anytime soon. He provides a skillset the Oilers will need in their bottom pair, and is locked in at an incredible contract value.
Through training camp, Regula has easily looked like an NHL ready player. His mobility and skating are noticeable skills, and on top of that, he's 6'4 and a right shot defenceman. When the Oilers claimed him on waivers, insiders revealed the GM was directly targeting these skills.
Drafted in the 3rd round by the Red Wings, he's also got into 22 NHL games already in his career, and has spent
Regula's size and handedness may be exactly what the Oilers need on their third pair. Currently Edmonton has Stecher and Emberson in that role as well, who are both smaller players.
Add in the fact that Regula has the cheapest contract at only $775K, and it's clear that he's the best fit for the roster. Not only that, he's signed for 2 years.
Regula will play tonight's home opener for the Oilers, and will likely be staying with the team beyond that. Credit to the Oilers front office for identifying this talent and sticking with him.
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