Edmonton Oilers hoping to sneak promising defender through waivers
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers claimed defender Alec Regula on waivers last season, and may be trying to sneak him through again in a few weeks.
Regula was placed on waivers by the Boston Bruins and claimed by the Oilers in December 11, 2024. He was expected to be an NHL option for the team last year, but unfortunately, missed the year with a major knee injury.
Edmonton Oilers expected to place Alec Regula on waivers after training camp
With the Oilers defence group intact from last season, Regula doesn't have a pathway to immediately making the NHL this year. After his knee injury too, the Oilers may want him to get back up to speed in AHL games.
So although the team believes in Regula as a player, and even re-signed him to a 2 year contract, he's likely heading back on waivers to head to the AHL. However, Insider Jim Matheson reported in a new article that it's likely he'll clear.
Maybe Boston would reclaim him when sent down by the Oilers. But it's iffy.
«To be honest I think I'm in a really good spot here and there's some belief in me if I get up. I think there's a pathway to success,» said Regula, who figures missing an entire 2024-25 season could give pause for other suitors, along with two years on his deal.
«To be honest I think I'm in a really good spot here and there's some belief in me if I get up. I think there's a pathway to success,» said Regula, who figures missing an entire 2024-25 season could give pause for other suitors, along with two years on his deal.
The uncertainty of Regula's knee injury and second year on his contract should be enough to deter teams from claiming him in the early weeks of the season.
Edmonton surely has an interest in keeping Regula, as it appears GM Stan Bowman is a big believer in his abilities. Regula spent time under Bowman with the Blackhawks, and reports had previously surfaced that the Oilers think highly of his game translating to the NHL.
»According to the team source, Regula's patience and poise with the puck and ability to pass it are the attributes that intrigue them. The fact that he shoots right is a bonus.»
-Daniel Nugent-Bowman, the Athletic
-Daniel Nugent-Bowman, the Athletic
It's great that Regula has spent some time rehabbing and getting accustomed to the Oilers organization last year, and now hopefully he can begin to make an impact on the ice - if he does clear waivers.
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