Saskatchewan’s Ethan Bear signs new contract with New York Islanders

Vancouver Canucks' Ethan Bear wears a full face shield as he waits for a faceoff during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Vegas Golden Knights in Vancouver, on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. The Canucks say Bear has undergone successful shoulder surgery and is expected to be out for six months. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Saskatchewan-born defenseman Ethan Bear has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the National Hockey League’s New York Islanders.

Originally from the Ochapowace First Nation, Bear spent last season with the Islanders’ American Hockey League affiliate in Bridgeport, Connecticut. His new contract allows that to continue, while also opening the door to a potential NHL return.

The previous season, Bear was named to the AHL All-Star game as a member of the Hershey Bears in 2024-25.

Bear has previously played in 275 NHL games, most recently with the Washington Capitals during the 2023-24 season.

The 28-year-old has also played for Vancouver, Carolina and Edmonton, the team who drafted him in 2015.

Bear also won a Western Hockey League championship with the Seattle Thunderbirds prior to turning pro in 2017.