Oilers coach Knoblauch reports Defenceman claimed on waivers still out indefinitely
It was revealed by Oilers Head Coach Kris Knoblauch that newly acquired Oilers defenseman Alec Regula is eligible for an AHL conditioning stint but will not be participating for some time.
The 24-year-old defenseman had been placed on injury reserve just prior to the 2024-2025 season by the Boston Bruins after he had knee surgery and is continuing his rehabilitation which seems to have stalled.
Regula potentially used later this season as Oilers look for more depth
On December 11th, Regula was placed on waivers and was claimed by the Oilers to help with their defensive depth.
General manager Stan Bowman has been searching the NHL for a potential trade offer to acquire more defensive help. He chose to go outside of the box and pick up former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman John Klingberg who had been sidelined for almost a year due to invasive hip surgery.
Klingberg and Regula Could be a big payoff for Bowman especially if they work out as the cap remains tight and the team Is trying to be creative as the NHL trade deadline approaches.
Oilers looking to go all in this year to get back to the Stanley Cup Finals
Many feel the Oilers will load up at the deadline as the team has skyrocketed in the standings and now sits at the top of the Pacific division and is 4th overall in the NHL with six points separating them and the Washington Capitals for first overall.
The Oilers current record stands at 31-15-3 for 65 points with a .663 winning percentage. Their goal differential has also improved dramatically as they are now a + 29 and have gone 7-3-0 in their last 10 games.
It remains to be seen on how the Oilers will handle this trade deadline as many feel the team may not be a splashy active team as some may think while others think the team well take a big swing especially in defense to cover some of the holes and give them a great chance to win it all.
The Oilers have six games remaining until their two week break when the Four Nations face off begins. It's likely general manager bowman will be active on the phones to see which players are available.
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