NHL Rumors: Canucks Defenseman Not Expected to be Traded

The Vancouver Canucks are expected to make multiple trades before the March 3rd trade deadline, including moving out some of their best players. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, one player don't expect to see the Canucks ship out is defenseman Ethan Bear.

Bear was acquired in-season this year in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes. He's from the area and a great role model for many in the community. On the ice, Bear has appeared in 22 games for the Canucks, recording two goals and six points.

The 25-year-old blueliner is a restricted free agent after this season and is currently making $2.2 million against the cap. Makes a ton of sense for the Canucks to keep Bear in the mix considering their lack of depth on defense.

While Bear is expected to stay in Vancouver past the March 3rd deadline, some of his teammates will likely be changing teams. The Canucks have held trade discussions around Brock Boeser, Bo Horvat, Conor Garland, Tanner Pearson, Tyler Myers, Luke Schenn and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. 

Photo credit: © Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports