Trade brewing involving Ethan Bear!

It sounds like defenseman Ethan Bear’s wish could soon come true. The Carolina Hurricanes blue liner wants to play, but has been a healthy scratch since the start of the 2022-23 season. Signed to a one-year contract worth $2.2 million in July, Bear is getting impatient, but it sounds like he might get moved shortly for the chance to play. Finally.

Over the weekend, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Hurricanes have been exploring trade options for Bear, who, in the meantime, has been linked to the Vancouver Canucks. The Canadian team has had a disastrous start to the season, and have become natural suitors for Bear who could definitely bolster their back end.

Though Friedman believes Bear could be traded or even placed on waivers, if the Canes explore the possibility of moving him in a transaction, it is believed interested parties might ask for Carolina to retain a portion of his salary… The Hurricanes might not be willing to do so if they’re not getting a decent return.

However, this detail hasn’t stopped the chatter to emerge louder on Wednesday as The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta says talks have picked up and Bear could be traded shortly.

The Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens could also become suitors for Bear. Chatter has definitely picked up and Bear might finally get to play - however, in a different uniform.

As Pagnotta points out: Something to keep an eye on.