The Toronto Maple Leafs are in serious trouble on defense. Given the injuries the team is currently dealing with they could use some help and fast. The team has now been linked to a free agent defenseman, but they are going to have to fight for him as four other teams are reportedly in on this particular blue-liner as well.
Ethan Bear, 26, played significant minutes for the Canucks just last season. In 61 games he put up 16 points as well as a +6 rating. It is unclear why he has not gotten a contract from an NHL club yet, but now might be his chance. Reportedly, five NHL teams are actively pursuing the 26-year-old blueliner.
Funnily enough, Leafs fans have already been saying the team should target Bear, at least as a temporary replacement, before this news broke.
Bear has played 251 career NHL games so far. He has 16 goals and 63 points as well as a career rating of -9. He has proven to be a capable bottom-pair defenseman so it is somewhat bewildering that he hasn't gotten a job yet this year. Regardless, the Leafs are in desperate need of help on the blueline so he should be getting a new job soon.
