Bear has gone through a rough patch. At this time last year, Bear and a reunion with the Canucks was a sure thing. The defenceman then went to the World Championships, where he got injured badly. The Canucks couldn't renew his contract, and a series of events led him to sign a two-year contract with the Washington Capitals. The former Canuck had skated in 24 Capitals games registering 4 points when a heartbreaking announcement came. Bear had been suspended from playing and had entered the NHLPA's Player Assistance Program.
In December 2023, Bear inked a two-year deal worth a little over $4M with the Washington Capitals. The Canucks had then offered a one-year deal to secure his return, but Bear chose contract security for himself and his family. We'll watch the defenceman's return to the ice when training camps kick off for the 2024-2025 campaign.
