Capitals reportedly signing Ethan Bear

The Washington Capitals appear to have crossed the finish line on the Ethan Bear sweepstakes as they’re signing him to a two year deal per Chris Johnston of TSN. Johnston reports that details and logistics are still being ironed out but the deal is expected to be in the neighborhood of $2 million.

Bear is 26 years old and plays defense. He previously played for the Vancouver Canucks. That team along with the Toronto Maple Leafs were also considering him but he was looking for term and the Caps provided that.

He hasn’t played this season due to recovering from offseason shoulder surgery when he represented Team Canada in the IIHF World Championship in May.

Bear has a right handed shot and joins a Capitals defense with a lot of depth. The right side is stacked with John Carlson, Trevor van Riemsdyk and Nick Jensen.

Next up on that depth chart is Vincent Iorio who while a good prospect isn’t quite NHL ready as well as Chase Priskie. With struggles to the right side, Bear will compete for a spot in the lineup. The Caps may also have to make a decision on the futures of Alex Alexeyev and Lucas Johansen, who have been healthy scratches a lot this season and are lefties.

Bear was selected in the fifth round at 124th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. After a strong stint with the Seattle Thunderbirds, Bear played three seasons for the Oilers before going to the Carolina Hurricanes for one year and the Canucks last season.

His best season was his second season in 2019-20 where he had 21 points in 71 games with five goals and 16 assists for the Oilers. Last season with the Canucks, Bear recorded 16 points in 61 games with three goals and 13 assists.

It’s a matter of time before they officially announce this deal but we should know soon.