Hockey

Islanders Sign Ethan Bear to One-Year Extension Amid Blue Line Questions

by
Richard Hayes
June 16, 2026

The Islanders have taken a significant step to bolster their defensive depth by re-signing defenseman Ethan Bear to a one-year, two-way extension, as announced by the team on Monday. This move comes just ahead of Bear’s impending status as an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Bear, 28, was originally selected by the Oilers in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Draft. Throughout his career, he has played in 275 NHL games, with his most recent appearance occurring in March 2024 with the Capitals. However, the past two seasons have been challenging for Bear as he has struggled to regain a consistent spot in the NHL lineup.

During the 2025-26 season with AHL Bridgeport, Bear faced an injury during training camp, limiting him to only 40 games in the regular season. Despite this setback, he managed to lead the affiliate’s defensemen in scoring, contributing four goals and 23 assists.

Earlier in his career, Bear demonstrated his potential as a reliable NHL defenseman, having played 71 games for the Oilers in 2019-20, followed by stints of 58 games with the Hurricanes in 2021-22 and 61 games with the Canucks the following season. After being waived by Washington in October 2024, he spent the 2024-25 campaign with AHL Hershey, where he earned an AHL All-Star Game selection before joining Bridgeport on a two-way deal last season.

While Bear’s extension adds depth, the Islanders still face critical decisions regarding the right side of their blue line this summer. Tony D’Angelo is set to become an unrestricted free agent, leaving the team with few certainties beyond Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield. On the left side, however, the Islanders boast a wealth of talent, including Calder Trophy winner Matthew Schaefer, Adam Pelech, and a recovering Alexander Romanov.

The decisions regarding the blue line will significantly impact Mathieu Darche’s roster at the NHL level. As the weeks leading up to free agency unfold, the Islanders have taken a proactive approach by addressing their depth with Bear’s extension.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

Richard Hayes

Richard Hayes is the go-to writer for all things soccer at 21Sports.com. His international perspective and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice in the industry. Richard’s experience covering major leagues around the world allows him to offer unique insights that resonate with both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts. When not covering matches, Richard enjoys coaching youth soccer in his community.