The 26-year-old said that the Capitals were "very cooperative" during the process of free agency.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — For Ethan Bear, a major offseason shoulder injury, subsequent surgery and his first time testing free agency weren't exactly ideal circumstances, but they opened up a whole new world for him. And ultimately, that world would bring him to the Washington Capitals.
Bear is set to sign with Washington following the NHL's holiday freeze, which ends on Dec. 28. There were multiple other teams interested as Bear felt more freedom for the first time in his career, and ultimately, the Capitals emerged as frontrunners for a simple reason: instead of talking, they listened.
"I honestly heard such good things about the organization. They have great leadership here. Honestly, when it was coming to honestly contracts and working things out, I think they were just very cooperative. They weren't trying to rush me into anything," Bear, who is still recovering and rehabilitating now that he's in D.C., said. "They’re understanding, and honestly, I felt like they really cared a lot and they want me here instead of needing me."
The 26-year-old right-hand shot was all smiles when discussing the process of coming to terms with the Capitals, who he joined for Wednesday's optional morning skate.
"It’s been interesting, to be honest. It’s been really good. I think just kind of seeing your worth, knowing there’s a bunch of teams interested and not being trapped on one team and having to be an RFA, it’s been pretty cool to have that control and have a little bit more say in where I want to go and what I want to do, so it’s been pretty exciting, to be honest.”
Bear also added that the team's culture played a big role in his decision, and he is also familiar with quite a few pieces of the puzzle. He has skated with Dylan Strome on U18 Team Canada and trains with Joel Edmundson in the summer.
“It’s a good group of guys. Have a really good culture here where it’s a good mix, you know? Everyone feels like they’re pulling their weight, everyone’s doing their job but at the same time, it’s not too stressed out," Bear noted. "And I think that’s a really key component because everyone’s just focused on their jobs, it’s not too intense and that can help everybody individual’s play. So I think they got a good mix here, and I'm excited to be a part of it.”
And of course, not having to face Alex Ovechkin is also a "plus," he cracked with a grin.
Bear adds a lot of depth to Washington, giving the team another right-handed option and adding what head coach Spencer Carbery called "another punch" to the blue line.
The 2015 fifth-rounder is known for his shutdown style of play and can log heavy minutes, block shots and kill penalties, but he's also a mobile defenseman who can join the rush and contribute offensively. He had three goals and 13 assists, as well as 75 shots and 69 blocks, in 61 games last season with the Vancouver Canucks, while also boasting a plus/minus rating of plus-6 and strong advanced defensive metrics.
"Honestly, just a good two-way game," Bear said regarding what he adds to the roster. "I think I'm a very simple, smart defender. I work very hard, so I just hope to bring some excitement and just kinda help win games in any way possible. I think my game can really complement this team in moving well in terms of moving pucks, helping out defensively.”
He, as well as the Capitals, also hope that he can help bring some offense to the blue line, an area that the team has been trying to improve over the course of the season.
"I've always played power play growing up, juniors, when I first got into pro a little bit when I was in Edmonton, it’s kind of a game that I’d love to get back to playing. it’s a fun side of the game, you get to be a little more offensive," Bear said. "It makes things more exciting, and I think I have that component in my game. And if I get that opportunity, I just gotta make sure I’m ready for it.”
For now, the M.O. and name of the game for Bear are continuing to recover. After he signs his deal, the team expects him to ramp up and, ultimately, return to the lineup post-Christmas.
"I feel really good. It’s been a long six months and it’s definitely nice to get back skating with the team and kind of get in a team environment again," Bear said. So it’s been good. I feel great, I feel healthy, I feel strong," Bear added.
At the end of the day, Bear is just happy to have found a landing spot that fits his identity on and off the ice, and he stressed the importance of taking things day by day as he works his way back.
"I think it’s just smart to honestly get into it mentally again, get used to the speed, feel for the game, in terms of the way back in the play and stuff, I feel good," Bear said. "The team's in a good spot right now. I don’t think we need to rush this.
"I think I can kind of get my legs under me, get thinking quick again to learn the system and kind of get to learn everyone’s tendencies instead of just kind of getting tossed into the fire, so I really appreciate that. It's definitely nice to take my time with it.”