Oilers Look at More Trades on Defense as Regula Awaits Activation

The Edmonton Oilers’ blue line remains a work in progress as the team explores the market for additional pieces. While the recent waiver claim of Alec Regula from the Boston Bruins adds a potential puck-moving option for their defense– and just in time if Evan Bouchard is injured –, the Oilers are reportedly not finished addressing their defensive depth. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Edmonton is scouting both left- and right-handed defensemen. He writes, “Alec Regula won’t be Edmonton’s last defensive move.”

One name linked to the team is Seattle Kraken defenseman Will Borgen, who is in the final year of his contract and has seen his ice time reduced by 2:29 per game this season.

Friedman labels Borgen as “Not the sexiest name”, but he’s 6’3, 204 pounds, and plays around 15-16 minutes per game. He can be described as a steady defensive defenceman who kills penalties. Borgen can move the puck out of the zone efficiently, but to say he’s a clear upgrade in the top four might be a stretch. He doesn’t mind the physical stuff, either. He’s a right-shot defenseman with 245 NHL games under his belt.

Edmonton may be forced into a move sooner than they might hope if news of Evan Bouchard is not positive. Bouchard went down in the third period versus the Minnesota Wild when he took an unsuspecting and dirty hit from Ryan Hartman.

What About Alec Regula and the Oilers?

Although Regula has yet to make his Oilers debut due to being on injured reserve, the 23-year-old remains optimistic about his role. “I think I can help the team move the puck. Get the puck into the hands of the special players they have so they can make a lot of plays,” Regula said. Since he was injured before the season started, Regula carries a $0 cap hit until he is activated, offering Edmonton some financial flexibility as they evaluate their options.

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With Edmonton striving to improve their blue line, any additional moves could significantly impact their cap situation and playoff aspirations in a competitive Pacific Division. It’s not clear how far along they might be in talks with different teams, but there are options out there.

The Oilers’ front office seems determined to ensure the team has the depth and mobility needed on the blue line to support their high-octane offense, which exploded for seven goals on Thursday against the top team in the NHL.

Next: Bouchard Hurt, Draisaitl With 4 Points as Oilers Beat Wild 7-1