LATEST | Ethan Bear points out the reason why he chose the Capitals: Shots taken at the Canucks

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Cooper Godin
December 21, 2023 (10:13)

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On Wednesday, former Vancouver Canucks defenceman Ethan Bear was spotted at practice with the Washington Capitals which caught the attention of many in the hockey world.

Reports circulated this month that Bear will be signing a multi-year contract with the Washington Capitals and while it's not official yet, something the team confirmed will be done at a later date, he was on the ice for practice.

After practice, Bear spoke with reporters and felt very happy that he was wanted in Washington by the Capitals and not just needed by an NHL organization.

"I've heard such good things about the [Capitals] organization, they have great leadership here," Bear said. "It honestly felt like they cared a lot. They want me here, instead of needing me."

The Canucks were trying hard to bring Ethan Bear back into the fold, but with the amount of defencemen they currently have, it was likely a better option for him to go to Washington and get plenty of ice time with the Capitals.

Bear, 26, is coming off shoulder surgery after suffering an injury while with Canada at the 2023 IIHF World Hockey Championship in May. He was set to become a restricted free agent, but Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin decided not to issue him a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.

In 61 games with the Canucks last season, the Regina native had 16 points (three goals, 13 assists), 25 penalty minutes and was a plus-six.

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