Monday, August 5, 2019

31 Teams in 31 Days - Detroit Red Wings

Only one OHL prospect for the Wings now.

1. Alec Regula - London Knights
Regula was right on target with my production and progression expectations this year. I would consider that a successful season. The big, mobile defender really stepped up his game physically this year, making him more difficult to match up against. But he still has that great length and reach which he can utilize to neutralize attacking forwards. His offensive game took a nice step forward too, as we saw him look to use his skating ability to lead the breakout or jump up as a trailer. He has a big point shot and he was able to get some secondary powerplay time running the point early in the year (less late in the year, post Joey Keane deal) to help his progression as a puckhandler and decision maker on the point. Although he did see time as a net front presence on the powerplay into the playoffs. There are still some areas that need work though. His decision making with the puck can still be defined as raw. Turnovers in his own end were a problem at times, as he backed himself into corners and had some difficulty with heavier forechecking teams. And as his physicality increased, Regula, at times, struggled with his positioning and when to assert himself. Improving these two things will be critical for his development as he heads into his "contract year." I think we'll see even greater improvement in his offensive numbers (15/35 is possible), but establishing himself as one of the best defensive defenders in the OHL will be even more important for him and a younger/inexperienced London blueline.

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