Regula is very young...this is his first pro season. The reason they called him up, and a couple others, isn't to play in games but to get experience practicing with the team and being around the other players. Defensive players usually don't come into their own until 23 to 25 years old, look at Kalynuk as an example. Regula doesn't have the talent of Boqvist, but Mitchell, Kalynuk are both more mature which is why they got their shot. Mitchell didn't stick which goes to show a 22 year old needs more time developing. My guess is Regula is ultimately going to replace murphy so we have Boqvist, Mitchell, Regula as the future 3 lines on the right. That said, Regula also has been injured this season.

I understand all of your points, however saying Regula will replace a guy like Murphy is a big stretch... I think the hawks will look to extend Murphy. I like Regula as a prospect, don’t get me wrong, but as I have stated previously out of Vlasic, him, and Commesso he would be the first one I trade.

Not saying he will jump in right away and replace Murphy. Just saying, Murphy at his age is unlikely part of the core 5 years out. For a rebuilding team, the team has to be thinking 2+ years ahead and Murphy is going to have a pretty attractive price tag on his head next TDL. If the Hawks are middling again, then they have to strongly consider moving him for younger assets and thus Regula should be able to step up the year after next.

There are plenty of young assets not named Vlasic, Regula, Commesso that could be traded, but again, we have a massive logjam of middle 6 wingers so not sure acquiring boqvist makes much sense. If Nylander is a bust, then sure. Right now outside of Kubalik, Kane, Debrincat we have Hagel, Hino, Kurashev, Reichel (who should be playing next year), Borgstrom, Nylander and that's not a complete list obviously.