The Ethan Bear sweepstakes have officially came to term: Missed opportunity for the Canucks

The Washington Capitals say they expect to sign defenseman Ethan Bear "at a later date officially," but the former Canuck remains without a contract.

Insiders have pointed to the Capitals as the frontrunner to sign Bear for over a week, but as time goes on, the 26-year-old still does not have a contract.

The Capitals, who had not previously commented publicly on Bear or the negotiations with the d-man, finally confirmed what has been widely speculated.

Washington says Bear is skating with the team and continuing his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury, so he will likely sign when he is deemed healthy enough to play - possibly when the holiday roster freeze lifts as of December 28.

The Capitals are expected to sign Bear to a two-year deal worth around 2 million per season.

Teams, including the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs, were reported to have interest in Bear but couldn't match the offer being presented by the Capitals.

The Canucks missed the opportunity to add an NHL-ready defenceman to their core. The main thing about Bear is that no assets were needed to acquire him. Allvin will have plenty of opportunities to add to his core, but he'll have to spend.