Fresh off their first win of the season, the Vancouver Canucks made their second trade in two days -- this one should be more immediately impactful than Thursday's swap with Boston.
In Friday's trade, the Canucks acquired 25-year-old defenceman Ethan Bear, who had fallen out of Carolina's top six and hasn't played a game yet this season. Bear, who previously spent three seasons with the Oilers, played 58 games for the Canes last season. He was an RFA this past summer and signed a one-year extension for $2.2 million.
Carolina will retain $400,000 of that rate, so Bear will count for $1.8 million against Vancouver's cap.
The Canes -- who also gave up 25-year-old AHLer Lane Pederson in the deal -- got a fifth-round pick in return from Vancouver.
Sam Cosentino, and Jason Bukala from The Pro Hockey Group share their thoughts on the two players in the trade, with a focus on Bear.
TO VANCOUVER: ETHAN BEAR, LANE PEDERSON
Bukala: The acquisition of Ethan Bear is an upgrade for the Vancouver Canucks.
They needed help on their back end and the fact Bear is a right shot is a bonus. Bear isn’t elite offensively, but he can contribute secondary offence and possibly be used on the second PP unit
He generally outlets well and has the ability to direct pucks on goal from distance. In fact, Bear has an above average NHL release. He’s not tall, but he’s stocky and strong.
I envision Bear being deployed in the Canucks' top 4 the remainder of the season.
When they get Quinn Hughes back from injury, the Canucks will be a better group after this trade.
Cosentino: Since turning pro in 2017-18, Pederson has been a serviceable player, mostly in the American League. He does have NHL stints with both Arizona and most recently San Jose dating back to last season.
Based on Vancouver’s current lineup, Pederson has a chance to come in and challenge for a bottom six role. He possesses good work ethic, and enough skill to be an effective bottom six player. At the very least, Pederson adds depth at the NHL level and mid-range production potential for Abbotsford.
Bukala: Pederson's offence doesn’t translate to being a top-nine NHL forward in my opinion, but he might be a recall forward if required. Average in all categories.
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