An NHL insider has just revealed that the Toronto Maple Leafs are in talks with this major free-agent defenseman that could be a solution to their injury problems.
Chris Johnston Reveals the Leafs are in Talks with Ethan Bear
The Toronto Maple Leafs are becoming desperate for reinforcements on the blue line. With 3 of their top-6 defenseman out in Mark Giordano, Timothy Liljegren, and John Klingberg, it has been widely reported that the Leafs are active on the trade market for a defenseman.
Now, TSN's Chris Johnston has revealed that the Leafs are exploring other options to acquire a defenseman as well, which includes exploring the free agency market. Their target? Ethan Bear.
Chris Johnston on Insider Trading says the Capitals are keenly interested in Ethan Bear, they're a team to watch, the Canucks, Leafs, Devils and Penguins have shown interest as well.
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Bear is coming off surgery this offseason, which is the primary reason he remains unsigned at this point in the year.
Bear Would Be a Nice Addition to the Leafs Blueline
Unfortunately for the Leafs, they are strapped for cash that they might need to sign a defenseman. With how in-demand defensemen are right now, it's likely Bear will garner a contract that the Leafs currently can't afford.
..Ethan Bear, you are a Leaf?
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Wait. Ethan Bear is a UFA? Iiiiiiiiinteresting.
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Bear's last contract with the Carolina Hurricanes was a 1-year deal with a $2.2 million AAV. The Leafs would need to cut some costs in order to make a deal work with a slight pay raise.
As seen on Maple Leafs Daily - "Leafs reportedly talking with free agent defenseman"
Do you think the Leafs should sign Bear?
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Maple Leafs reporter addresses rumours of Mitch Marner's trade list