Oilers defenceman at high risk of being lost on waivers will change roster decisions

In a recent article, Kurt Leavins wrote this about the Oilers' blueliner:

Oddly enough, Regula was claimed off waivers by the Edmonton Oilers from the Boston Bruins on December 11, 2024. He did not play any games during the 2024-25 season as he was recovering from a knee injury. However, the Oilers signed him to a two-year, two-way contract extension on May 2, 2025 at a $775K cap hit.

Given his strong preseason performance with the Edmonton Oilers, Alec is making a legitimate bid for a roster spot as a potential number 7 or 8 defenseman, which of course would mean less playing time for the young defenseman.

This may not be the best course of action for coach Kris Knoblauch to take for his development, however, given Regula missed the 2024-25 season recovering from injury.

The dilemma for Knoblauch is that Alec could play in a 6/7 role if the D-man's skating develops and he continues his strong preseason play; but he could also be a very good first-pairing defenceman in the AHL.

If the Oilers choose to send him to the AHL for further development and playing time, he would need to clear waivers. so there it is in a nutshell. At 25-years old, he may not have time to sit as an extra defenseman.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch has the remainder of the preseason to decide what to do with Alec Regula. The decision could very well be taken out of the coach's hands, of course, should there be another injury to an Oilers' defenseman - Regula would then be considered for a bottom-6 position of the blueline.