Report: Edmonton Oilers to Bring Back Former Fan Favourite?

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Ryan Hall
November 24, 2023 (8:49)

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Times are growing desperate for the Edmonton Oilers as the team grapples with its brutal start to the season. What was expected to be a stellar beginning, given the hype generated during training camp and the offseason, has instead fallen flat on its face.

General manager Ken Holland, believing the team deserved a second chance in it's design last season for another run at the Stanley Cup, now faces mounting challenges.

The team is plagued by a host of issues, primarily revolving around defensive play and goaltending. These concerns have been highlighted over the past few months as areas that should have been addressed during the offseason through signings or trades. However, Holland opted to work around the edges, leaving serious question marks for this year's defensive squad.

One player who once enjoyed fan favouritism with the Oilers is Ethan Bear. Currently an unsigned unrestricted free agent, Bear was drafted by the Oilers in 2015 in the fifth round, 124th overall. In his NHL career, he played four seasons with the Oilers before being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2021-2022.

Following some unsettling times with Rod Brind'amour, Bear played for the Vancouver Canucks in 2022-2023, participating in 61 games, scoring three goals with 13 assists for a total of 16 points, and maintaining a +6 rating.

The Canucks chose not to qualify him last year due to his anticipated six-month recovery period after undergoing shoulder surgery. Now, after just five months, he is gearing up for an NHL comeback, attracting interest from several teams.

Considering the Oilers' weakness on the right side of their defence, a player like Bear could significantly enhance the team's talent pool. His previous successful partnership with Quinn Hughes for a season attests to his potential contributions.

Amidst the current turmoil of the season, the Oilers should explore all possible options to salvage their performance before it's too late to secure a playoff spot. Failing to make the playoffs is not an acceptable outcome this year.