Edmonton Oilers Sign RFA Defenseman

The Edmonton Oilers have announced they have signed restricted free-agent defenseman, Ethan Bear to a two-year deal worth $4 million dollars.

Good news Bears! 🐻

The #Oilers have signed defenceman Ethan Bear to a two-year contract extension through the 2021-22 season with an average annual value of $2 million. https://t.co/PRuF9Mci7z
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) December 29, 2020

Bear is expected to play a major role on the teams defense this season with Oscar Klefbom missing the entire season. Last season in 71 games, Bear collected 21 points and went scoreless in four playoff games.

The 23-year-old Bear was originally a 5th-round selection back in 2015. The Oilers will begin the season by sending Klefbom to the LTIR, so expect another crafty move or two from Oilers general manager, Ken Holland when the season starts.

Ethan Bear, signed 2x$2M by EDM, acquitted himself quite well in very heavy deployment this year. His numbers are weighed down because he was rushed to the league at 19, but he projects as at least a solid middle-pair RD. #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/kYWCSQKsSA
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) December 29, 2020