Last night was the first game Regula has played in a quite a while given he's been up and down so much between Rockford and the taxi squad.
Prior to yesterday, Regula wasn't very strong on defense getting beat a lot or just playing passively. It's just one game but last night he did show marked improvement using his size to eliminate opponents and making a single solid pass out to clear the zone.
Like the other young defenders, Regula gets into trouble when he tries to do too much on the rush. Keep it simple until more experience is gained.
- Theo Fox
With the dmen prospects it is like going through the valley, up and down, reaching a plateau but the valley is large and more peeks and low points will be traversed
I mentioned Regula out of curiosity. I had read that his ceiling could be as a shut down defender, that already (junior level) Regula showed poise/promise in playing defense. Yet he played a bumper role and has a good shot - was it 27 goals as a dman?
Then I heard him play a few times AHLand he was quick to want to rush the puck up ice. Clearly you need to see them, not just hear them play.... from one stretch of games to a point later in the season. For Regula he maybe realized that he was not going to succeed by being an offensive first dman in Rockford. Maybe various Blackhawk instructors talked to him....whatever....back in action he did what he needs to do as you described, Theo
Regula probably can rush the puck and offer an productive offensive effort. But foremost importance he has to play well defensively. Hey Regula, see the Boqvist example this season.
If Regula works at being fundamentally solid defensively, he could get a look in Chicago. He skates well and might be a third pair option. One day he may force a decision whom to keep - say him or Beaudin.
I know Beaudin may become a top four. May. There are others: Stillman,Phillips, Vlasic, Kaiser even Galvas eventually is conceivably a talented challenger. Each of these kids have their own particular strength(s). It is fun seeing them advance in their development. Eventually it is a numbers game.
I expect Zadorov eventually is moved. Murphy too if two kids improve enough. Kalynuk and Mitchell could improve enough next season (obviously DeHahn won't be around too long. Either gone before or at next trade deadline, or possibly injured in the last year of contract).
You know that Keith has two more years on contract. He is here for a while as kids develop..... most likely seen at this time to retire a Blackhawk. But how Florida does defense without Ekblad is not pretty long term. Even if Ekblad comes back strong, Florida to finish his career with coach Q is sensible maybe in one or two years it happens....if he agrees.
Meanwhile the kids will be ok. In time. Old White Sox ad probably ten or more years old - the kids will be alright. Actually the kids on Chicago blueline shall be comprised of each good skaters, good to above average puck movers, smart, skilled. Could really help drive the offense. We shall see.
Thanks Theo also for your AHL review. Greatly appreciated
