BREAKING: Ethan Bear leaving the Washington Capitals indefinitely

Moments ago, news broke from hockey insider Chris Johnston that Capitals' defenceman Ethan Bear will be away from the team indefinitely while receiving care from the NHL's Player Assistance Program.

The 26 year old defenceman has only played 24 games this season with the Washington Capitals after he was signed in December of 2023, coming off of double hip surgery last season. Bear's been scratched for the last 7 Capitals games, but has played well when he's been in the lineup, recording one goal and 4 points.




Bear was a fifth round draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers back in 2015. The Saskatchewan born defender played three seasons with the Oilers and developed a solid reputation as a depth defender with positive analytics. In 2021, the Oilers traded Bear to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Warren Foegele.

Although he hasn't played for the Oilers in years, fans of the team will be rallying around him for his recovery while in the Players' Assistance Program. It's fantastic to see players are making use of this resource.