The New York Islanders announced on Tuesday that they have inked veteran defenseman Ethan Bear to a one-year, two-way contract, a move that adds depth and flexibility to the team's blue line as they eye a playoff push.
Bear, who turned 28 earlier this month, spent the bulk of the 2025-26 campaign with the Bridgeport Islanders, appearing in 40 games and contributing 27 points, a tally that topped all defensemen on the AHL affiliate.
AHL Success Fuels NHL Ambitions
His offensive output continued a trend of strong AHL performances, highlighted by a 46-point showing in 62 games for the Hershey Bears during the 2024-25 season, a period that also earned him a spot in the AHL All-Star Game and a place on the league's Second All-Star Team.
Across the NHL, Bear has logged 275 games with the Washington Capitals, Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes and the Edmonton Oilers, bringing a blend of defensive reliability and occasional offensive spark to each roster.
Internationally, the Canadian native was a key member of the squad that captured gold at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, adding a prestigious credential to a résumé that also includes a WHL championship and Defenseman-of-the-Year honors from his junior days with the Seattle Thunderbirds.
General Manager Lou Lamoriello praised the signing, noting that Bear’s proven track record in both the AHL and NHL, coupled with his championship pedigree, should help the Islanders maintain a competitive edge as the season unfolds.