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 ´ºÉ«Ö±²¥was first published June 15, 2023.