Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Rumour Alert: Ethan Bear

The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of three teams reported to have interest in Ethan Bear, according to Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet.

Editors Note: Since this article was published, Bear was traded to Vancouver

During Elliotte’s recent addition of 32 thoughts, he mentions that Ethan Bear is not happy in Carolina right now, and that the Toronto Maple Leafs have interest.

Bear wants to be traded because he hasn’t played a game yet this season. Friedman points out that “it’s nothing nefarious,” and Carolina is doing what they think is best for them.

Bear wanted to play in the game against Edmonton to prove something against his former team. Friedman points out that missing that game had to be hard for Bear. The only way Bear will see any playing time is to be traded or put through waivers. He could get picked up on waivers by another team or clear waivers and play in the AHL. At this point, he is willing to play in the AHL to get some ice time.

Carolina will not eat any amount of Bear’s $2.2 million contract in a trade. So, whichever team(s) want to acquire him must be willing to take on the whole amount. According to Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and Washington Capitals have all shown interest. How soon until we see an Ethan Bear trade?

Does Ethan Bear to the Toronto Maple Leafs Make Sense?

The Toronto Maple Leafs currently have $5.54 million in available cap space, but that is from the use of long-term injured reserve (LTIR). Timothy Liljegren ($1.4 million) and Jordie Benn ($750,000) are both on a conditioning stint in the AHL and will be off LTIR soon. (Salary cap info from capfriendly.com)

Benn will go the Marlies and his cap hit won’t matter.

Goaltender Matt Murray ($4.68 million) could also be coming off LTIR in mid-November, though there are no guarantees, but as far as Bear goes, it doesn’t matter.  The Leafs wouldn’t trade for Bear and not send back some kind of equal salary.

Bear is right handed, and has a history of posting solid peripheral numbers, which is why the Leafs are likely interested.

Is Bear good enough to play in one of Toronto’s six defensive spots? Does Toronto want a defenseman making $2.2 million and not playing regularly? I don’t think so. But if they are interested in him, then perhaps they think he is.

I can’t see him being an upgrade on any of the Leafs six defensemen once Liljegren returns, but perhaps they see him a Justin Holl replacement?