Capitals say they expect to officially sign defenceman Ethan Bear

The Washington Capitals are expected to officially sign defenceman Ethan Bear at a later date, the team announced Wednesday.

Bear skated with the team at Wednesday’s morning skate. The 26-year-old defenceman underwent off-season shoulder surgery and is still in the recovery process.

He suffered the shoulder injury over the summer while playing for Team Canada at the 2023 world hockey championship.

Bear spent the 2022-23 season with the Vancouver Canucks, recording 16 points (three goals and 13 assists) over 61 games.

The Regina, Sask., native was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the fifth round (124th overall) at the 2015 NHL Draft. He spent parts of three seasons with the team before being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2021.

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