Ethan Bear underwent shoulder surgery after injury at world championship, Canucks say

By The Canadian Press on June 15, 2023.

Vancouver Canucks' Ethan Bear wears a full face shield as he waits for a faceoff during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Vegas Golden Knights in Vancouver, on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. The Canucks say Bear has undergone successful shoulder surgery and is expected to be out for six months. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Canucks say defenceman Ethan Bear has undergone successful shoulder surgery and is expected to be out for six months.

General manager Patrick Alvin says in a statement that the injury was sustained at the men’s world hockey championship, where Bear played eight games.

Bear was set to become a restricted free agent this summer after playing on a one-year, US$2.2-million deal.

The defenceman registered three goals and 16 points, averaging 18:32 in ice time through 61 games last season.

Vancouver acquired the 25-year-old, as well as Lane Pederson, on Oct. 29, 2022 from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a fifth round draft pick.

Bear was originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2023.