Capitals' Ethan Bear Returns To D.C. After Time In NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program

The Capitals defenseman appeared in 24 games this season before entering the program.

ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals got some positive news on the Ethan Bear front, as the 26-year-old blueliner was cleared by the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and returned to D.C. on Tuesday.

Bear entered the program back on March 27 and missed the remainder of the regular season and the team's first-round playoff series against the New York Rangers. The reason he was in the program remains confidential.

"Hopefully, we'll see him here or I'll meet with him," general manager Brian MacLellan said. "I think he met with Carbs today or tomorrow. He's back in town, he just got back in town today."

The Capitals signed Bear to a two-year contract back in December, and through 24 games, he posted one goal and three assists, along with a plus/minus rating of minus-5.

Bear was the second Washington skater to receive care from the program following Evgeny Kuznetsov.