"Adjusting to a new team and system can be challenging for a young defenseman," said Waddell. "We are confident Ethan will be able to take another step in his development this season."
Bear, 25, registered 14 points (5g, 9a) in 58 games with the Hurricanes in 2021-22, tying his career high in goals. The 5'11", 197-pound defenseman has tallied 47 points (13g, 34a) in 190 career NHL games with Edmonton and Carolina from 2018-22. Bear also played 89 American Hockey League games with Bakersfield from 2017-19, earning 49 points (12g, 37a). Prior to turning professional, he posted 192 points (66g, 126a) in 264 Western Hockey League games with Seattle from 2013-17, helping the Thunderbirds capture the Chynoweth Cup in 2017. The Regina, Sask., native also represented Canada internationally at the 2015 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, winning a bronze medal. Selected by Edmonton in the fifth round, 124th overall, of the 2015 NHL Draft, Bear was acquired by the Hurricanes from the Oilers in exchange for Warren Foegele on July 28, 2021.
