After a difficult 2021-22 including a bout with COVID-19, Ethan Bear has yet to play a game this season for the Carolina Hurricanes. Signed to a one-year contract worth $2.2 million in July, the 25-year-old defenseman has been a healthy scratch thus far.
On Saturday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Bear wants to play and the Hurricanes have been exploring trade options. Part of the problem, however, is interested clubs want them to retain a portion of his salary which the Hurricanes aren’t keen to do if they’re not getting a decent return.
Friedman feels the situation could be resolved soon by a club making an acceptable offer to the Hurricanes or placing Bear on waivers. It’s also possible he could slot into the Carolina lineup.
Bear popped up during the pre-season last month as a trade candidate linked to the Ottawa Senators and Vancouver Canucks. Friedman also mentioned the Canucks as a possible suitor.
Both clubs could use additional depth on their respective bluelines. The Senators have been linked for some time to the Arizona Coyotes’ Jakob Chychrun. However, the high asking price for the 24-year-old rearguard could force them to consider more affordable short-term options.
It’s not known if the Montreal Canadiens have an interest in Bear, but Montreal Hockey Now’s Marco D’Amico cited their need for an experienced right-side defenseman. He noted that the Canadiens still hold priority on waivers for another week, giving them first crack at Bear if he’s made available.
