The addition of Bouchard impacts Bear directly. Bear performed well when recalled late last year, but he needs to improve his defensive game. He’s only played 37 AHL games and 18 NHL games. Like most offensive-minded young defenders, improving his defensive awareness will be his biggest challenge. Bear thinks the game well, is a solid passer and has a great shot. He has many NHL qualities. His biggest challenge will be ensuring he puts in the work in the off-season to become an NHL player. In the past his off-season training wasn’t consistent enough. The dedication when no one is watching (TV or coaches) is what separates many players from making the NHL or just hanging around. He has the skill, and I think getting a taste of the NHL last year will motivate him to ensure he is working as hard as other aspiring NHL players in the off-season.

If Ethan Bear shows well in camp he could see himself in the mix early for the Oilers. I’d expect Bear to spend the majority of the season in Bakersfield while at the same time playing the role of first call up on the blueline when injuries occur in the top seven. Long-term he could fit in nicely as a depth option behind Larsson and Bouchard on the right side.

Expectations were high for Bear last season as he graduated from the WHL and looked to bring his offensive abilities to the pro level. Despite missing some time due to injury, the young defender proved to be one of very few promising Oilers’ prospects on the Bakersfield Condors. In 34 games with the Condors last season Bear recorded six goals and 16 points, and has found himself consistently playing on the power play. His numbers are respectable considering that his team was last in the Pacific division and that only three teams in the entire AHL had scored fewer goals when he was called up. His defensive game is slowly getting better, and his mobility for his size needs improvement, but there is definitely fantasy upside with this player. With the Oilers trading Brandon Davidson in February, and with Kris Russell nursing an injury, the Oilers opted to recall Bear on February 27th. With Adam Larsson missing time due to personal reasons, the young defender made his NHL debut on March first against the Nashville Predators where he recorded a minus three rating and no points. In 18 games with Edmonton last season, Bear recorded one goal and four points. With the Oilers’ lack of right handed defencemen, the team’s general lack of quality offensive defenders and their poor power play, Bear has a good opportunity to find a spot on the Oilers defence and possibly cement himself as a power play specialist within a season or two.