Oilers defenceman claimed on waivers shut down for entire season

Regula's circumstances around being placed on waivers were strange in the first place. According to Gregor, Regula agreed to be waived while rehabbing with injury to join his friends with the AHL's Providence Bruins, and Boston didn't expect him to be claimed.

Oilers have high hopes for Regula to make risky waiver claim on injured player

The Oilers organization clearly had high hopes for the 6-foot-4 right shot defenseman, as reports surfaced at the time that they believed he could be an NHL contributor. They must not have foreseen him missing the entire season with this injury.

"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

It's very unfortunate news that Regula won't be joining the team in any capacity this season, especially after waiting so long to hear just a status report on him.

On the other hand, it really is just a risk-free pickup of a solid depth defenseman and only a slight disappointment he can't play yet. As for now, he carries $0 of impact on the Oilers salary cap.

Hopefully he comes back in much better shape for training camp next year, and pushes to make the NHL club.