31 Teams in 31 Days - Chicago Blackhawks

1. Alec Regula - London Knights
Acquired from Detroit in exchange for Brendan Perlini, Regula emerged as one of the top defenders in the OHL this past season. He makes such a large impact in a variety of different situations. With his size (6'4, 200lbs), and his reach, he is such a difference maker in the defensive end. According to InStat Hockey, his takeaway numbers were among the best of any defender in the OHL. His gap control is solid and he understands when he needs to take away space from his checks. Regula also really stepped up the consistency of his physical game this year, taking on that leadership role for London and making life difficult for opposing forwards below the hashmarks and near the crease. Regula is also a difference maker on the powerplay, where he plays the bumper position for the Knights. His hands are quite good for a big defender and he's so strong on his skates, that he becomes an immovable object for a lot of OHL defenders. However, a common misconception about him is that he's only a factor offensively with the man advantage. Not the case. He was third in the OHL among defenders with 0.45 even strength primary points per game this past year. He has very good offensive instincts without the puck and identifies shooting lanes well, showing a penchant for jumping up to create. With his strong skating ability and big, long strides, he knows that he can take chances because he recovers well. Without question, Regula's breakout/exit pass was the most improved part of his game. He really cut down on his turnovers and his decision making was much quicker and more deliberate. The only time you really see turnovers become an issue is when he tries to be aggressive as a puck carrier, pushing through the neutral zone. He just doesn't have the puck skill to be able to push through defenses in transition, at least consistently. Regula will turn pro next year and I am a lot more confident about his NHL potential now than I was a year ago. While there may be some adjustments needed as the pace increases, his size and skating ability will play right away as a defensive player. I honestly believe that the Blackhawks should continue to use Regula as a net front presence on the powerplay too. He is such an asset in that position. Look for him to be in the 25-30 point mark as an AHL rookie and for him to push for an NHL roster spot within a few years.