The New York Islanders have signed defenseman Ethan Bear to a one-year, two-way contract extension, the team announced Monday. Bear had been set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but the move ensures he remains within the Islanders organization for the upcoming season.

Bear, 28, was originally selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. Over his career, he has appeared in 275 NHL games, most recently playing during the 2023–24 season with the Washington Capitals. However, he has spent the past two seasons primarily in the American Hockey League (AHL), unable to secure a consistent spot at the NHL level.

Last season, Bear played with the Islanders’ AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders. He missed time after sustaining an injury during training camp but still appeared in 40 regular-season games, recording four goals and 23 assists. His 27 points led Bridgeport’s defensemen in scoring. Prior to joining the Islanders' organization, Bear played in the NHL for multiple teams, including 71 games for Edmonton in 2019–20, 58 games for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2021–22, and 61 games for the Vancouver Canucks the following season. After being waived by Washington in October 2024, Bear cleared waivers and was assigned to the Hershey Bears in the AHL, earning a selection to the AHL All-Star Game before joining Bridgeport on a two-way contract.

While Bear’s extension provides additional defensive depth, the Islanders face several critical decisions regarding their right-side blue line as they approach free agency. Tony D’Angelo is also set to become an unrestricted free agent, and the club currently has Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield as the only confirmed right-handed defensemen under contract. On the left side, the Islanders maintain a strong pool of players, including Calder Trophy winner Matthew Schaefer, Adam Pelech, and Alexander Romanov, who is recovering from injury.

General manager Mathieu Darche and the Islanders organization are expected to evaluate multiple roster moves to shape their NHL lineup prior to the start of the next season. For now, signing Bear provides the team with experienced organizational depth as the offseason progresses.