Edmonton Oilers defenceman Ethan Bear places 10th in Calder Trophy voting

Edmonton Oilers defenceman Ethan Bear placed 10th in voting for the Calder Trophy awarded to the league’s top rookie.

Bear received nine points from one vote in each the third, fourth, and fifth spots.

This year, Bear, 22, scored 21 points in 71 games this season placing third among Oilers defenceman in scoring. Those 21 points were the fifth most among rookies.

A fifth round pick in 2015, Bear broke out showing his ability to move the puck with poise but also to ensure strong defensive positioning to knock pucks loose and limit scoring chances.

Bear’s incredible rookie year was promising for an Oilers backend that was in need of a player like him on the right side. There’s no doubt that Bear will be a top-four defenceman in the league for a long time.

On Twitter: @zjlaing