ROSTER REDUX: Ethan Bear

Ahead of the 2018-19 season, EdmontonOilers.com is taking a look back at the '17-18 individual performances of the Oilers in our series 'Roster Redux'
EDMONTON, AB - An 18-game stint with the Oilers to conclude the 2017-18 season provided Ethan Bear with the platform to showcase his potential as a future full-time NHL defenceman.
It was a learning experience for the Ochapowace, SK product as he learned to cope with the nerves during his rookie professional season.

ROSTER REDUX

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"I messed up a few drills. I didn't know what was going on there," Bear said jokingly at Oilers practice on Mar. 1 before making his NHL debut against the Nashville Predators.
"The guys were kind of joking with me saying, 'Don't be nervous, you've only worked 20 years to get here.'"
Bear registered 18 points (6G, 12A) in 37 games with the Bakersfield Condors last season after his 96 points in 84 games across playoffs and regular season helped lead the Seattle Thunderbirds to a WHL championship in 2015-16. He produced four points (1G, 3A) in 18 games on the Oilers blueline after his call-up, recording his first goal and multi-point game in a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Mar. 25.
Transitioning to the NHL wasn't easy for the 21-year-old as he adapted to its rigours, prompting head coach Todd McLellan to give him a chance to step out of the lineup and observe the game during a stop in Vancouver on Mar. 29.
"We thought he needed a breather and needed to watch a game at this level," McLellan said. "He's been good offensively but struggled a bit defensively. It never hurts for a player to go back up top and watch it when it's moving a bit slower."
The right-shot defender was given plenty of ice-time to work on adapting to life as an Oiler, averaging 18:38 in ice-time over 18 games.
"There's a lot of coaching that's been done with him, and we're letting him absorb it," added McLellan.

Last season's games, coupled with his observations, are serving as a crucial learning period for Bear as he works on his game in the defensive zone along with the skills needed to become a full-time NHL defenceman.
"I wanted to work on some things in the d-zone, at the same time take rest," Bear said. "It's been a long 14 games and the schedule can be pretty hectic on the body. Taking the time off you really want to embrace it and make sure you take care of yourself, watch the game and be ready for the next one."