Former Edmonton coach Craig MacTavish stands up for struggling Oilers defenseman
Former Edmonton coach Craig MacTavish believes that Oilers' young defenseman Alec Regula has a lot of size and has shown great promise to excel in the NHL.
Craig MacTavish, former Oilers player, coach, and GM, shared why he's encouraged by newcomer defenseman Alec Regula, despite some recent struggles.
What Alec Regula is facing recent criticism for
Regula has faced criticism from fans for turnovers and lost battles, but MacTavish sees the bigger picture. At 25, Regula combines size with skill, a rare combination that takes time to fully develop in the NHL.
"I like Regula. I think he's shown a lot and he's going to continue to get better, but he's got a good touch on the puck for a big guy. You know, you'd like to see him maybe separate the guy from the puck a little bit more and just a little bit more physical play. But I think he's got the size and I like the range."
- Craig MacTavish
- Craig MacTavish
Edmonton claimed him on waivers from Boston last season, seeing that long-term potential. MacTavish also pointed out that some of Regula's struggles aren't entirely on him.
Against Vegas, the Oilers struggled to exit their own zone cleanly, often sending pucks right back to the opposition, which made defensive work harder for Regula and the rest of the team.
Yes, he's had rough patches. He can overhandle the puck and needs to bring more physicality. With Jake Walman set to return, Regula could be the odd man out, and newcomer Spencer Stastney might slot in alongside Darnell Nurse.
Why there are still bright spots in Alec Regula's game
Still, there are bright spots. Regula's smart passing eases some pressure off Nurse, and his combination of size and puck-moving ability is exactly what teams look for in playoff hockey.
MacTavish's take is clear: patience is key. Regula has top-four potential, and giving him time to grow could pay off down the line.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 23 | 72 ANSWERS Former Edmonton coach Craig MacTavish stands up for struggling Oilers defenseman Will Alec Regula be a top-four defenseman in the NHL one day? | ||
| Yes | 35 | 48.6 % |
| No | 37 | 51.4 % |
| List of polls | ||