(Toronto) Washington Capitals defenseman Ethan Bear signed up for the National Hockey League and Players’ Association assistance program on Wednesday.
Bear will therefore be sidelined for an indefinite period. He will only be able to return to play when program administrators give him the green light.
Bear, 25, is originally from Ochapowace First Nation near Regina, Saskatchewan. He is currently playing his first season with the Capitals under a two-year, US$4.125 million contract he signed in December.
Bear agreed to join the US Capital roster after completing his recovery. He underwent shoulder surgery after suffering an injury at last year’s World Championship.
Bear scored one goal and totaled four points in 24 games with the Capitals this season. He amassed 17 goals and 67 points in 275 games in the Bettman circuit with the Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, Vancouver Canucks and Capitals.