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2024 predictions for Ethan Bear: He'll defend with ease and boost offense

Tonight when the Washington Capitals take the ice against the Nasvhille Predators we will finally see the debut of newly acquired defenseman Ethan Bear.

By Michael Marzzacco

Ethan Bear, Washington Capitals
Ethan Bear, Washington Capitals / Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
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Hunter Shepard gets the nod in goal for the Washington Capitals. Max Pacioretty still needs time before we see him on the ice for the first time this season. As for Charlie Lindgren, who got hurt, Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post reported that coach Spencer Carbery said they got positive news that was more encouraging than their initial impression last night.

Ethan Bear will suit up and pair with Trevor van Riemsdyk while Rasmus Sandin moves up to play with John Carlson as Martin Fehervary is out. The third pair will remain the same with Joel Edmundson and Nick Jensen.

Bear previously played with the Vancouver Canucks until he got hurt. Now he's back and ready to help a good Caps defense get better. He told Mike Vogel of WashingtonCaps.com after a recent practice:

"“Everything feels good. I’m healthy and I’m ready to roll, and it’s any day now when I’m going to play. We’ll just take it day-by-day. I feel good, I’m excited, and I’m just waiting to get that nod.”
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- Ethan Bear via Vogs

Prediction: Bear had a career high season with a good Carolina Hurricanes team in 2021-22 with five goals and nine assists for 14 points. He had 16 points last season with Vancouver with three goals and a career high 13 assists.

Bear's success on the Caps really depends on how he could turn his defense into offense. The defense is good so if Bear plays good there he'll gel well there. But the Caps offense has been a weakness.

Bear could very well get in the 14-18 point range. He can be a good assist guy and get around 6-9 and as far as goals the 3-5 range would be a home run with wher the Capitals are at this point in the season.