WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals are looking out for their blue line ahead of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, recalling defenseman Ethan Bear from the AHL’s Hershey Bears on Saturday.

Bear’s recall helps bolster the defense corps, an area the team may have concerns about going into the postseason. John Carlson, who sat out three straight games for “‘maintenance,” and Martin Fehervary missed the final game of the season, along with Matt Roy, who was ill.

Bear has appeared in 62 games for Hershey this season, scoring 10 goals and 36 assists for 46 points. He was named an AHL All-Star and has had a bounce back season following struggles he had after arriving in D.C. last year.

The 27-year-old is a solid, puck-moving right-handed defenseman who takes good care of the puck and can get the play up ice with his strong mobility and vision.

In addition to Bear, the Capitals also have Alex Alexeyev and Dylan McIlrath available. Both got games down the stretch but have been up for the entirety of the season, mainly serving as extra defensemen.

Washington kicks off the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Monday with Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens.