Oilers send young defenceman down to AHL, avoid waivers assignment

The Oilers claimed Regula on waivers from the Boston Bruins on December 11, 2024, and then signed him to a two-year contract extension with an annual salary of $775K. Edmonton clearly had high hopes for him, but he’s fallen out of the lineup this season, only playing 5 games since January 1st.

Now, the team has made it official that Regula will be heading down to the AHL.

One well-connected Oilers fan online, who has accurately reported roster moves in the past, has hinted that Regula will be heading on waivers as the Olympic break ends. Edmonton Journal insider Jim Matheson has also agreed with the report.

This roster move comes just one day after Matthew Savoie was also sent down to the AHL. Oilers insiders are also reporting more roster cuts should be coming soon, with Andrew Mangiapane and Mattias Janmark on the chopping block.

More than halfway through this season, the 25-year old Regula just hasn’t proved that he hang at the NHL level.

He still has raw skills that could lead to him becoming an NHLer down the line, but recently he’s been costing the Oilers far too much. In 29 games this season, Regula has a brutal -16 on ice rating.

This roster move will allow Regula to get some games in after sitting on the sidelines for close to a full month. By nature of the conditioning stint, he’ll have to return to the Oilers within a 2 week timeframe - but he does avoid waivers this way.

The Oilers clearly had high hopes for Regula this season when they started him in the top-4 next to Darnell Nurse.

They should still believe in the player, and will be hoping he clears waivers to keep him within the organization. Regula has size standing at 6’4, has good mobility, and plays the coveted position of a right-shot defenceman.

For now however, the Oilers can’t afford to keep Regula in the lineup, and just don’t have a spot for him currently.

We’ll keep an eye out in the coming days to see if the Oilers complete this expected roster move, and perhaps add another right shot defenceman as insurance.

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