We wrote on Monday, about how blue liner John Klingberg has already generated plenty of headlines in the short time he has been with the Edmonton Oilers organisation. We would contend that the same also applies to another recent pickup, in John Regula.
There was some surprise when the Oiler claimed Regula off waivers from the Boston Bruins during December, although it transpired that he had a connection with general manager Stan Bowman, from their time together with the Chicago Blackhawks. Regardless, the next surprise for fans came just a few days later, when it emerged that the defenceman wasn't close to being able to play, as a result of offseason knee surgery while he was still with the Bruins.
There finally seemed to be some more positive news last week, when Regula was activated and underwent some drills during Tuesday's optional skate for the Oilers, with assistant coach Mark Stuart and Klingberg. At the time we did note that when he would actually be ready to play remained up in the air, but our thinking was he would first suit up for the Condors before any such opportunity presented itself with the Oilers.
Not so fast with John Regula
However, it now turns out that there are still a couple of obstacles for the 24-year-old to overcome, before this happens. As per Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal, consider some comments from Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch on Monday, when he said:
"He either has to clear waivers (to go the AHL) or accept a conditioning stint for 10 days or five games. We’re not approaching that timeline yet."
The main concern from what Knoblauch said, is about not approaching a timeline for Regula actually seen some action. As ambiguous as this is in some respects, it still doesn't sound good when you're not even close to being able to provide a timeline.
Is playing for the Oilers even a viable option?
Even then, you have to wonder about the 2018 third round draft pick actually ever playing a game for the Oilers. The roster already has plenty of options to be part of the third pairing or the seventh defenceman, who are arguably all better-suited to the NHL than Regula.
In fairness to Regula though, all he's bothered about at this stage is actually playing again, no matter where it is or for who. Also as per Matheson, he said:
"I just want to play hockey. First time skating with (a) team in eight or nine months. Yeah, it’s been a long time. ... I had a nagging injury I’d dealt with for a couple of seasons. It’s been kind of a bumpy road coming back."
Certainly, it seems as if Regula still isn't in a position yet to turn off the bump road and onto smoother terrain. Even then, Oilers fans may not ever get to see him play for their team at the NHL level, with it also worthy of noting that he will become a restricted free agent at the conclusion of this season.