Ethan Bear has been placed on waivers by the Washington Capitals

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Finnegan Frost
October 4, 2024 (2:07 PM)

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Breaking news in the NHL as former Edmonton Oilers defenceman Ethan Bear has been placed on waivers by the Washington Capitals.

The 27-year-old Bear played 24 games with the Capitals in 2023-24 and scored four points (1G-3A). In three preseason games this year, Bear put up a pair of assists.

This is quite disappointing news for Oilers enthusiasts who were rooting for Ethan Bear. Bear recently completed a stint in the NHLPA's players assistance program from mental health related issues and was doing everything possible to make the Capitals team.

As per SI, Bear is entering the final year of a contract that earns him $2,062,500 against the salary cap. With the Capitals likely looking to send Bear to the American Hockey League, $915,500 of his salary will still count against the cap.

According to Liam McCormick from Oilers Daily, There are many teams in the NHL who could use a depth right handed defenseman like Bear. If he gets claimed off waivers, a team would have to take his whole 2 million dollar contract, which is unlikely.

The more likely scenario is that he's acquired in a trade, with the Capitals retaining some salary on his contract. The Oilers could give him a look for a reunion, although it would have to be worth their while to bring him back in, and they can probably find a higher impact defender in trade.

Bob Stauffer recently disclosed that the Edmonton Oilers could be interested in claiming a right handed shot D-man from the waiver wire, and Ethan Bear fits the description perfectly.

source: Oilers Daily - SI
Capitals Place Defenseman on Waivers