Ethan Bear leaves the Washington Capitals for personal reasons

Washington Capitals defenseman Ethan Bear will be taking an indefinite leave of absence to enter the NHL and NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

Bear will rejoin the team when he is cleared to return to on-ice competition by program administrators.

Ethan Bear, aged 26, joined the Capitals mid-season on a multi-year deal and has played 24 games this season, contributing with one goal and three assists.

Hailing from Regina, Saskatchewan, Bear has played a total of 275 games in the NHL over six seasons, representing teams such as the Capitals, Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes, and Edmonton Oilers. Throughout his career, he has amassed 17 goals and 67 points.

He was originally selected in the fifth round (124th overall) by the Oilers in the 2015 NHL Draft.

As seen on The Hockey NewsCapitals' Ethan Bear to Receive Care from NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program

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