Edmonton Oilers

Ethan Bear Signs 2-Yr Extension With Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed 23-year-old restricted free agent defenseman Ethan Bear to two-year $2M deal on Monday night.

by
NHL Trade Talk
December 28, 2020

The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed 23-year-old restricted free agent defenseman Ethan Bear to two-year $2M deal on Monday night. The deal comes after news that Bear and the Oilers were working hard to finalize terms on an extension.

Good news Bears! 🐻

The #Oilers have signed defenceman Ethan Bear to a two-year contract extension through the 2021-22 season with an average annual value of $2 million. https://t.co/PRuF9Mci7z
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) December 29, 2020

Elliotte Friedman broke the news late Monday evening with a simple tweet that confirmed the signing. He followed it up by sharing a post which broke down the specifics of the deal.

Ethan Bear re-signs in EDM 2 years, $2M AAV
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 29, 2020

Some may argue the numbers might be a bit high considering how little leverage Bear had in negotiations. Others will suggest the two year term and the fact the Oilers see him as a piece they’d like to invest long-term in, perhaps GM Ken Holland felt it was wise to send a message and not undervalue what Bear is expected to bring during the 2020-21 season. Considering he’s just 23 and already averaging almost 22 minutes per game, with room for growth, this is a good deal.

The breaks down as:

Year 1 – $1.5M
Yr 2: $2.5M

Upon the contract expiring, Bear will have arbitration rights and a $2.4 million qualifying offer guaranteeing him no less than that on his next deal. He is two years from unrestricted free agency when this contract expires.

Bear had five goals and 21 points in 71 games for Edmonton last season and came on strong as a regular top-four blueliner for the team. It was his first full season in the NHL and surprisingly made the roster out of camp and never looked back.

The Regina, Sask., native was a fifth-round selection by the Oilers back in 2015 and may be one of the best late-round picks the Oilers have made in recent franchise history.

The Future For Bear Is Bright

Even if some wonder about the numbers, the key for fans to remember is that if Bear pans out as projected this and next season, this will be the best contract on the Oilers books. The minutes he’ll play, and the opportunities he’ll get to produce will be incredible.

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