Ethan Bear suddenly leaves Caps, enters NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program

The Washington Capitals have confirmed that defenseman Ethan Bear has left the team for an indefinite period. He will receive care from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Under the terms of the joint program, he will return to the Club when cleared for on-ice competition by the program administrators

It has been a hectic 2023-24 season for the blue liner, who kicked the campaign after a six-month rehab stint following shoulder surgery. Over the Christmas break, the free agent signed a two-year contract with the Capitals after deciding to move on from the Vancouver Canucks.

Last season with Vancouver, Bear put up three goals and 16 points in 61 games. This year with Washington, the defenseman has struggled and recorded just a goal and four points in 24 contests, while registering a -5 rating. Bear was also a member of the Edmonton Oilers for three seasons before he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, who then flipped him the following fall to Vancouver. The Oilers selected in the fifth round, 124th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft.

The Capitals are currently fighting for a playoff spot, in a tough battle with other Eastern conference teams for the last Wild Card spot. Bear has often been a healthy scratch with Alex Alexeyev earning more ice time amid the team’s playoff push.

However, the focus at the moment for Bear is on his health and we can only wish him the best as he seeks care from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

More to come.

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