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Oilers analyst predicts defenceman will be waived, new signing called up mid-season
A top Oilers analyst has predicted the team to waive defenceman Alec Regula, and call up Atro Leppanen midway through the season.
The Oilers picked up Regula on waivers last season, but unfortunately he missed the entire year with a severe knee injury. Atro Leppanen was a free agent signing out of Europe, who led his league in scoring for defenceman.
NHL analyst predicts Oilers to waive one defender, call up another
In an new piece for the Edmonton Journal, analyst David Staples explained his predictions for roster moves surrounding these two interesting depth defenders.
On defence, Edmonton will try to get Alec Regula through waivers. Atro Leppanen, a dynamo on the attack, will likely need a few months in Bakersfield to get used to the defensive game in North America, but I expect Leppanen will be in Edmonton's line-up by the second half of the season.
- David Staples
- David Staples
Both players may have the talent now to be fringe NHL players - Regula has already played games for the Blackhawks - but both would benefit from at least starting the year in the AHL for their development.
After missing nearly the entire year with injury last year, Regula should start in the AHL but will be waiver eligible. Hopefully the team will be able to sneak him through, as Stan Bowman is reportedly high on his chances of turning into a quality NHL player.
The 26 year old Leppanen scored 63 points from the blue line last year in LIIGA, has impressed early on at Captain's Skates, and is signed to just a 1 year deal. He could use some time in the AHL to adjust to the North American ice and make defensive improvements, but he has the talent to make the NHL too.
Oilers have tough roster decision looming on defence in training camp
Along with these reports, other analysts have speculated it's possible Troy Stecher is waived and claimed by another team this fall. That would open a roster spot for either Regula or Leppanen later on.
Oilers training camp begins later this week, and opening night is not much further behind. Players will have to make their cases to management on merit in preseason games and training camp practices.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 15 | 343 ANSWERS Oilers analyst predicts defenceman will be waived, new signing called up mid-season Do you think the Oilers will see Leppanen play NHL games this year? | ||
| Yes | 185 | 53.9 % |
| No | 158 | 46.1 % |
| List of polls | ||