Oilers player claimed off waivers who never played for team may have full time role next season
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Edmonton Oilers made a move that went heavily under the radar last season when they claimed Alec Regula on waivers, who never played another game all year.
Edmonton claimed the 24 year old right shot defenceman off waivers from Boston on December 11, while he was dealing with a knee injury. He was officially shut down from playing later in the year, yet the Oilers chose to hold onto him all season.
Oilers defenceman claimed on waivers could play prominent role next season
Oilers analyst Kurt Leavins brought up Regula in today's edition of 9 thoughts, suggesting that the team wouldn't have protected Regula on the roster all year if they didn't believe he could factor into the lineup next season.
Claimed off waivers from Boston mid-season, Regula sat out the year with an injury. The 6'4, 211 LB London Knights grad is a stout defender.
But his right shot also has significant offensive up-side. And he is at a $775k cap hit. Edmonton did not pluck and then protect this player all season long because they did not believe in him. Store that one away, if you will
- Kurt Leavins, Edmonton Journal
But his right shot also has significant offensive up-side. And he is at a $775k cap hit. Edmonton did not pluck and then protect this player all season long because they did not believe in him. Store that one away, if you will
- Kurt Leavins, Edmonton Journal
Regula is a 6'4 right shot defenceman, which is an asset in itself in the NHL. He's former third round draft pick with 22 games played - some under GM Stan Bowman in Chicago, who sees plenty of promise in Regula's game.
At the time of the waiver claim, insiders claimed that the Oilers were big believers in Regula's puck skill and offensive ability. His size and right shot is just icing on the cake.
»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
The Oilers will then have some interesting decisions on defence, with Alec Regula and Atro Leppanen pushing Troy Stecher, Ty Emberson, and Brett Kulak for jobs.
Training camp should be competitive on the Edmonton blue line, one of the deepest groups in the NHL with 8 defenders ready to play.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 6 | 587 ANSWERS Oilers player claimed off waivers who never played for team may have full time role next season Do you think Regula could be an under the radar pickup for Edmonton? | ||
| Yes, the must see something in him | 443 | 75.5 % |
| No | 144 | 24.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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