Ethan Bear could be a quality depth option for the New Jersey Devils

The 24-year-old would provide needed depth on the right side; with the ability to play up the lineup if necessary.

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As it stands, the New Jersey Devils only have two right-handed defenseman with real NHL experience signed for next season: Dougie Hamilton and Damon Severson.

While it is possible they bring back P.K. Subban – he was fine in a 3rd pairing role and is well liked in the locker room – there may be a better, and younger, alternative hitting the market in Ethan Bear.

His time appears to be up in Carolina after just one season. There have been rumblings the RFA may not receive a qualifying offer.

The Hurricanes haven’t closed the door on retaining Bear but they’ve given his agent permission to talk to other teams; likely hoping discussions will a) help facilitate a trade or; b) serve as a ‘wake up call’ where Bear doesn’t like what he hears so the Hurricanes can justify being cheap.

Whatever the case may be, Bear is a player worth considering for a variety of reasons.

He is a 24-year-old right-shot defender with three full seasons of NHL experience to his credit; competent seasons at that.

Bear has posted a GAR even or better in each of the last three years. Even-strength offense is where he was graded the highest, however, he was at least a small positive in ES-O, ES-D, PPO, penalties drawn, and penalties taken.