Penguins Pass on Big Right-handed Defenseman

A big, young right-handed defenseman would seem to fill a need for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but they passed on one Wednesday when they did not put in a waivers claim on Alec Regula.

Regula was placed on waivers Tuesday by the Boston Bruins, apparently with the intention of assigning him to the American Hockey League if he cleared. However, the Edmonton Oilers claimed the 6-foot-4, 210-pound 24-year-old. Given the waivers claim rules based on priority given to teams in reverse standings order, a claim by the Penguins would have trumped one by Edmonton, meaning the Penguins did not attempt to claim Regula.

Regula, a third-round draft pick by the Detroit Red Wings in 2018, had missed training camp and all of the season so far because of an injury. The Bruins activated him Tuesday and placed him on waivers.

He played in 22 NHL games, all with the Chicago Blackhawks between 2020-21 and 2022-23, and scored one goal. Last season with Providence of the AHL, he scored four goals and 26 points in 55 games.

His scouting report from Sportsforecaster indicates he can also skate well:

“The big, raw right-shooting defenseman had spectacular offensive numbers in his final junior season and has shown indications that he can produce points at the NHL level, especially as he continues to fill out in his 20s. Skates well for a huge defenseman and is always willing to jump up into the play.”

The Penguins have been using a couple of defensemen on their off-side this season, including Ryan Shea and Matt Grzelcyck.