Bear was not on the ice for Monday's morning skate and will not play against the Capitals. Bear, who is listed as day-to-day, will be replaced by Brendan Smith on the Hurricanes' third pair.
Ethan Bear News
Bear will play for the first time since January 13th, replacing Brendan Smith on the third pair. Bear has scored two goals with five assists (seven points) in 27 games this season.
Bear missed Thursday's game in Calgary due to an illness. He was on the ice for warmups but ended up being a late scratch, so monitor his status closely on Saturday.
Bear was in COVID-19 protocol and missed the last six games. He took regular reps in Friday's practice but remains a game-time decision for Saturday's game vs. the Sabres.
Bear will miss his third straight game with a head injury that he suffered a week ago. With Bear out, William Lagesson will remain on the Oilers' blueline.
Bear was hit in the head by a puck while sitting on the bench last night and is doubtful to play Sunday vs. the Senators. With Bear likely out, either William Lagesson or Kris Russell will likely play.
Bear was sent to the AHL on Thursday but it was always believed to be a “paper move” while they moved Adam Larsson to LTIR. Bear is back with the big club and should be in the lineup on Saturday.
This is believed to be cap maneuvering with Adam Larsson going on LTIR. Bear was a minus-1 in 15:33 TOI in the season-opening win and has been replaced on the roster by Evan Bouchard, for now.
Bear, 20, was a fifth round pick of the Oilers in 2015 and will play his first NHL game tonight. Bear will replace Adam Larsson in the lineup and comes to the Oilers with 16 points (6G / 10A) in 34 games with Bakersfield (AHL) this season.