The NY Islanders sign Mathew Barzal's close friend, Ethan Bear, to a one-year, two-way contract

In a pipeline that is weak on the right side of the blue line, Mathieu Darche and the NY Islanders have added some depth, signing Ethan Bear to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775k.

Bear, 28, was a fifth-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 2015, bouncing between the NHL and AHL throughout multiple organizations in his career.

The Isles sign Ethan Bear

Spending the last two seasons with the Washington Capitals organization, Bear played the entire season in the AHL with the Hershey Bears (fittingly enough), registering 46 points (10 G, 36 A) in 62 games.

In May of 2024, Bear entered the NHLPA Player’s Assistance Program. Now, more than a year removed from the program, he is back to enjoying hockey and returning to the rink everyday. 

"It's like I'm seeing life through a new set of lenses. My brain, my mind, has never been more clear," Bear told Sammi Silber of The Hockey News in September. "Life for myself is just a lot better. I'm just really excited to play hockey, have a clear head, and just have some fun, being around the guys. It feels good again."

Bear has a close bond with Islanders star Matthew Barzal, after the two played for the Seattle Thunderbirds during their WHL Championship season in 2017.

“Ethan was one of my best friends for four years in junior,” Barzal told NHLPA.com in 2015. “He’s like a brother to me. Right off the bat, he’s a guy I respect so much, and if he needs a favor, there is no hesitation from me. All my former teammates come out for this. We won a championship together, so we’ll always have that bond.”

Bear will likely report to Bridgeport to begin the season, but could earn his first call-up with the Islanders if the blue line is plagued by the injury bug again.