Edmonton gives former third-round pick a two-year look after injury-marred season
The Edmonton Oilers have quietly taken a calculated gamble on a former high-upside blueliner, signing defenceman Alec Regula to a two-year, two-way contract extension worth an average annual value of $775,000. Regula, who was claimed off waivers from the Boston Bruins in December 2024, has yet to suit up for the Oilers after spending the season recovering from injury.
Despite the “mystery” tag that’s followed him—mostly due to his absence from the lineup—Regula isn’t an unknown commodity. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound right-shot defenceman brings size, a solid pedigree, and developmental upside. Originally drafted 67th overall by Detroit in 2018, Regula has seen time in three NHL organizations: Detroit (briefly), Chicago, and most recently Boston.
In his most productive pro season to date, Regula put up four goals and 22 assists with a sparkling +36 rating in 2023–24 for the AHL’s Providence Bruins. Unfortunately, an injury placed him on the shelf before he could earn a call-up. Edmonton claimed him with future depth in mind, and now they’re doubling down on that vision by securing him for two more seasons at a minimal cap hit.
The Oilers’ blue line picture next season features big names like Darnell Nurse and Mattias Ekholm under contract, along with Jake Walman, Brett Kulak, and Troy Stecher—all in contract years. Evan Bouchard is a pending restricted free agent, and playoff standout John Klingberg—currently an unrestricted free agent—could price himself out of Edmonton’s plans with his recent two-way play.
That leaves Regula in the mix with Ty Emberson, a fellow depth defender who recently inked a two-year deal at $1.3 million annually. Compared to Emberson, Regula comes even cheaper and carries a similar profile: a right-shot, defensively capable blueliner with untapped upside.
Regula’s deal signals Edmonton’s intent to strengthen its depth chart with low-cost, controllable contracts. Whether he cracks the NHL lineup next season or provides injury insurance in Bakersfield, the move gives GM Ken Holland flexibility—and potentially, a hidden gem if Regula can stay healthy and rediscover his form.
Leave a Reply