Breaking News:🚨 Defenseman Ethan Bear and Forward Jake DeBrusk are placed on waivers by their respective NHL teams, New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins, opening up the possibility of them joining their AHL affiliates. Bear, 28, has been sidelined since training camp due to a wrist injury, after a successful 2024-25 season with the Hershey Bears. DeBrusk, 30, has been skating between the Penguins and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, with 7 points in 13 NHL games this season. They could clear waivers by Monday afternoon.
Bear & Heinen Hit Waiver Wire: A Look at Their Past, Present, and Future
hockey fans, brace yourselves! Two familiar faces are potentially headed to the American Hockey League (AHL) as they clear the NHL waiver wire. Ethan Bear and Alex Chiasson have been placed on waivers by the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins respectively. Let’s dive into their past, present, and future.
Ethan Bear: Injury Setback but AHL Stardom Within reciente
“A timely injury” might sound like a cliché in sports, but it’s a harsh reality that Ethan Bear confronts. Signed by the New York Islanders to a one-year, two-way contract in July, Bear’s season took a sudden hit during training camp when he suffered a wrist injury – and now, he’s been placed on waivers.
But let’s not forget Bear’s shining moment. The 28-year-old from Regina, Saskatchewan, had a breakout season in the AHL last year with the Hershey Bears. In 62 games, he tallied an impressive 10 goals and 36 assists for 46 points, earning a well-deserved spot on the AHL’s Atlantic All-Star Team roster.
Did you know? Ethan Bear is the son of former NHLer Garry Valk and Canada’s first Indigenous hockey player to appear in an NHL game during the 2019-2020 season.
Alex Chiasson: Bouncing Back and Forth
Alex Chiasson, the 30-year-old winger, has had a rocky start to the season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. With four points (1 goal, 3 assists) in 13 NHL games and 17 points (6 goals, 11 assists) in 12 AHL games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Chiasson has been a frequent traveler between the two teams this season.
Last season with the Vancouver Canucks, Chiasson scored 6 goals and 12 assists in 51 games. Now in the second season of his two-year contract, Chiasson’s future with the Penguins might be uncertain, but his prolific AHL performance hints at a possible comeback.
What Lies Ahead?
If they clear waivers, both players will be eligible to join their respective AHL affiliates. For Bear, it’ll be a chance to rehab his injury and prove his value ahead of next season. For Chiasson, it’s an opportunity to build on his AHL momentum and secure a permanent NHL spot.
“The waiver wire might seem like a setback,” -our hockey insider said. “But it’s a chance for these players to regroup, refocus, and work their way back up. Keep an eye out, folks. We might be seeing a lot more of Bear and Chiasson in the near future.”
FAQ
When do they need to clear the waiver wire by?
Monday afternoon.
How much does Bear’s contract pay him?
An NHL cap hit of $775,000, a minor-league salary of $325,000, and $425,000 in guaranteed money.
What is Chiasson’s contract situation?
Chiasson has a two-year contract with the Penguins, carrying a $2.25 million average annual value (AAV).
With their NHL dreams temporarily put on hold, Ethan Bear and Alex Chiasson now look towards the AHL. But remember, this isn’t necessarily the end of the road. It could be a new beginning.
Let’s Talk Hockey!
Which team do you think will benefit from having Ethan Bear or Alex Chiasson? Share your thoughts in the comments!