NHL Rumors: 5 Teams Linked to Ethan Bear

While on TSN Insider Trading, NHL insider Chris Johnston reported that the Washington Capitals, Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, and Pittsburgh Penguins are all interested in free-agent defenseman Ethan Bear.

Bear is almost ready to go after receiving shoulder surgery, and teams around the league are looking to add him because of it. It is understandable, as he is a young bottom-pairing defenseman who has had success in the NHL. With that, injuries have been piling up this season, and he would give a team more depth at a cheap price.

In 61 games last season with the Canucks, Bear had three goals, 16 points, and a plus-6 rating. It was a solid year for him, and it will be intriguing to see how he follows up on it in 2023-24. Before he can do that, however, he needs to pick his next destination.

Expect a decision from Bear shortly, as the sweepstakes are heating up fast.