One of the contracts the Edmonton Oilers are going to need to navigate this offseason is the contract for budding defenseman Ethan Bear. Proving he’s got the makings of a top-four blueliner in the NHL, he was a surprise revelation to start this past season and secured a spot on the Oilers roster the rest of the year before the season went on pause. He’ll be a lock for a play-in spot on the team when play resumes.
So, what is a player like that worth?
The Oilers have high hopes for Bear and would like to see him sign a long-term deal, potentially at a number that provides value for the team. That said, the flat salary cap makes signing him long-term now tricky. So, the Oilers might gamble just a touch and sign a very short-term deal, then a long-term one to follow.
According to Bob Stauffer, the Edmonton Oilers might offer a one-year contract. Stauffer doesn’t estimate the value, but if true, it should fall between $1 and $2 million for the season. He writes:
Have had queries on Ethan Bear’s contract status. Bear has taken a massive step forward but does not have arbitration rights. Anthony DeAngelo (NYR) was in a similar situation last summer. Could see Bear get a 1-year deal and then sign long-term. Excellent 5th round pick!
It’s a risk but potentially a necessary one. If Bear has a tremendous playoff run and then plays well next season, it’s hard to know how much the long-term numbers on a new deal might change. That said, the idea of a one-year deal still lets the Oilers argue that there isn’t a proven history of high production so things shouldn’t get too far out of control.
And, with the cap staying flat the following year, free agents may still take less money than they normally would have.
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