The New York Islanders are adding some depth to their blue line.
Veteran defenceman Ethan Bear has agreed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Islanders, according to Peter Baugh of The Athletic.
The deal is worth $750,000 at the NHL level and $425,000 at the American Hockey League level.
Bear, 28, spent the entire 2024-25 season in the AHL with the Hershey Bears, tallying 10 goals and 36 assists in 62 games.
His last full season came in 2022-23 with the Vancouver Canucks, where he finished with three goals and 13 assists in 61 games. He appeared in 24 games with the Washington Capitals during the 2023-24 season, registering one goal and three assists.
Over 275 games at the NHL level split between the Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, Canucks and Capitals, Bear has 17 goals and 50 assists.
