2015 Draft - 3rd pick: Ethan Bear (2017: Named WHL D-Man of the Year)

[Canovin]

If Ethan could turn out to be a bottom pairing D and a PP specialist that's still a win for us. Bear in mind, the kid has a killer shot

 

[TheBrew]

Your right on sample size, tho it was 2 years in a row.
But I just don't remember anyone ever making it, that was so invisible in these camps.

Good to know.

 

[Draiskull]

Do you mean the rookie tourney that was 6 months ago? Have you seen Bear play at all this season? I didn't, which is why I'm withholding judgement until I can base my opinion on actual current first-hand knowledge.

Did you read what i wrote? Did I give an opinion? I said his stats point production isnt much different than last year and that he looked slow and nothing special when I saw him live in Penticton. I also said I hope that reports about him developing his game other than just offensive numbers is true.

So no I havent seen him play this season and no I didnt make a judgement based on this season other than my comment about his points.

 

[Aceboogie]

Your right on sample size, tho it was 2 years in a row.
But I just don't remember anyone ever making it, that was so invisible in these camps.

I dont think we have really rolled out that good of talent at those tourneys. Weve typically had the top pick in that tourny to tear it up but the rest was a lot of meh players. IIRC even Klefbom had a underwhelming time in Penticton way back when in 2013 or around then. So weve rolled out poor talent who didnt do all that well, then never panned out in NHL or even AHL

Ill give him a pass in 2015 as he was a 18 year old rookie. This years years one was a bit underwhelming yes. But to draw conclusions from these short tournies at a really odd time in the year is tough. Start of year when you are old + totally new systems and linemates

But also tough to draw conclusions from WHL seasons as well as plenty of high scoring guys dont pan out. What hes able to do in AHL next year should speak volumes. My benchmark would be 15-20 points in rookie season. Then 35/40 points in 2nd year

 

[Diamondillium]

If Ethan could turn out to be a bottom pairing D and a PP specialist that's still a win for us. Bear in mind, the kid has a killer shot

I can't Bear these puns.

 

[Draiskull]

Is he comparable to Pulock? Dumba?

RHDs with big shots.

Not sure what the knocks on Pulock are but Dumba's lack of hockey IQ and reliability used to be discussed.

 

[jebs]

I dont think we have really rolled out that good of talent at those tourneys. Weve typically had the top pick in that tourny to tear it up but the rest was a lot of meh players. IIRC even Klefbom had a underwhelming time in Penticton way back when in 2013 or around then. So weve rolled out poor talent who didnt do all that well, then never panned out in NHL or even AHL

Ill give him a pass in 2015 as he was a 18 year old rookie. This years years one was a bit underwhelming yes. But to draw conclusions from these short tournies at a really odd time in the year is tough. Start of year when you are old + totally new systems and linemates

But also tough to draw conclusions from WHL seasons as well as plenty of high scoring guys dont pan out. What hes able to do in AHL next year should speak volumes. My benchmark would be 15-20 points in rookie season. Then 35/40 points in 2nd year

That's fair. He is on the young side for his draft year so I guess that's a bit of a positive too.

If he busts tho I will rule out all prospects that don't impress me at pentiction in the future!

 

[Aceboogie]

That's fair. He is on the young side for his draft year so I guess that's a bit of a positive too.

If he busts tho I will rule out all prospects that don't impress me at pentiction in the future!

Haha what if a player looks good but then busts

Its a good thing we can be so patient with Bear (again why its tough to compare our past prospects who were all rushed). Stick him in AHL for 2 years, forget about him and let him develop and check in 2 years from now.

 

[McMozesmadness]

I've seen Bear a lot the last two years and the progression from last year to this year has me excited. To be honest I was actually quite down on Bear last year despite his nice point totals. Every time I watched him I never thought he was very dynamic offensively, just seemed to have a decent shot and good understanding of the PP, but was a product of a great team. He was never a catalyst, he was always the beneficiary of others great play, mostly Barzal. But this year he's blown my mind, offence looks dynamic. He still has awesome players around him, but between injuries to Kolesar, Barzal missing plenty of time and Gropp being invisible for the first 40 games, he's had to do a lot of the heavy lifting himself. He's joining the rush way more, holding the puck more, just really trusting his own ability. His shot has gotten way better and he is utilizing it in more situations. Last year he was very stationary and would rely on just blasting it through... he still does that, but he's added a very nice wrist shot and the ability to get the shot off in more difficult situations and with less time. His IQ offensively is and always has been top notch.

Breakout passing is another major strength of his. Always tape-to-tape. He knows that he needs to get the puck in the hands of the offensive weapons in Seattle. Skating has improved, especially lateral mobility, but it's still a liability. He hasn't been getting beat wide nearly as often, but it still happens too much for my liking.

As for defence, he defends smart, uses his stick well, but his physical tools are lacking. He doesn't shy away from physicality and often seeks out battles, he plays verty gritty, which is a positive. It's just a lack of strength when engaging that is a concern. So if he struggles with being out-muscled at the junior level it will be very tough at pro. My hope is that he eventually becomes a Benning type in his own zone. I think that is a realistic hope and comparable, it will just take time and commitment.

So at this point skating and strength are what could hold him back. He will need a lot of time and work in Bakersfield, but right now there is no reason not to be optimistic about Bear.

Also, judging him of a rookie camp or even just on point totals is ridiculous.

 

[McMozesmadness]

Is he comparable to Pulock? Dumba?

RHDs with big shots.

Not sure what the knocks on Pulock are but Dumba's lack of hockey IQ and reliability used to be discussed.

My Bear comp is the NHL version of Ryan Ellis. He is a ways away from that, but he plays that style.

 

[Aceboogie]

I've seen Bear a lot the last two years and the progression from last year to this year has me excited. To be honest I was actually quite down on Bear last year despite his nice point totals. Every time I watched him I never thought he was very dynamic offensively, just seemed to have a decent shot and good understanding of the PP, but was a product of a great team. He was never a catalyst, he was always the beneficiary of others great play, mostly Barzal. But this year he's blown my mind, offence looks dynamic. He still has awesome players around him, but between injuries to Kolesar, Barzal missing plenty of time and Gropp being invisible for the first 40 games, he's had to do a lot of the heavy lifting himself. He's joining the rush way more, holding the puck more, just really trusting his own ability. His shot has gotten way better and he is utilizing it in more situations. Last year he was very stationary and would rely on just blasting it through... he still does that, but he's added a very nice wrist shot and the ability to get the shot off in more difficult situations and with less time. His IQ offensively is and always has been top notch.

Breakout passing is another major strength of his. Always tape-to-tape. He knows that he needs to get the puck in the hands of the offensive weapons in Seattle. Skating has improved, especially lateral mobility, but it's still a liability. He hasn't been getting beat wide nearly as often, but it still happens too much for my liking.

As for defence, he defends smart, uses his stick well, but his physical tools are lacking. He doesn't shy away from physicality and often seeks out battles, he plays verty gritty, which is a positive. It's just a lack of strength when engaging that is a concern. So if he struggles with being out-muscled at the junior level it will be very tough at pro. My hope is that he eventually becomes a Benning type in his own zone. I think that is a realistic hope and comparable, it will just take time and commitment.

So at this point skating and strength are what could hold him back. He will need a lot of time and work in Bakersfield, but right now there is no reason not to be optimistic about Bear.

Also, judging him of a rookie camp or even just on point totals is ridiculous.

This is good, this is good. How would you compare Jones and Bear. Both on their seasons in the dub but also on pro tools and upside. Ive always thought Jones was better pro prospect because he was better all around. Bigger size, better skating, more 2 way ability etc. What about after this season?

 

[McMozesmadness]

This is good, this is good. How would you compare Jones and Bear. Both on their seasons in the dub but also on pro tools and upside. Ive always thought Jones was better pro prospect because he was better all around. Bigger size, better skating, more 2 way ability etc. What about after this season?

I like Jones quite a bit more.

 

[Aceboogie]

I like Jones quite a bit more.

Would you say that Jones just has the better tools and higher floor? But Bear could have a higher ceiling (with less chance of getting there)? Or Jones just an all around better prospect?

 

[KlefDown]

Let's just hope Bear & Jones aren't the D version of Greg Chase and Kyle Platzer. I had such hopes for those two.

 

[oilers'72]

Ethan Bear was also named as a unanimous selection for first team defenceman for the Western Conference All-Star Team.

http://whl.ca/article/whl-announces-2016-17-conference-all-star-teams

 

[Canovin]

Bear will make the NHL before Jones just based on Oilers needs and the ability to get the shot through traffic in a hurry. Whereas Jones will have the bigger upside and higher floor. We definitely have the time to be patient with him.

 

[Aceboogie]

Bear will make the NHL before Jones just based on Oilers needs and the ability to get the shot through traffic in a hurry. Whereas Jones will have the bigger upside and higher floor. We definitely have the time to be patient with him.

Probably blind faith and this comment will look stupid in 3 years, but both could be exactly what we need 3 years down the road. Sekeras contract will be up and well need a LHD. Jones could provide that dynamic ability on the 3rd pairing. Bear obviously fits like a glove as a potential PP QB

Something like:

Klefbom-Larsson
Nurse-Benning
Jones-Bear

I really like that D core if we are able to properly develop Benning/Jones/Bear.

 

[McMozesmadness]

Would you say that Jones just has the better tools and higher floor? But Bear could have a higher ceiling (with less chance of getting there)? Or Jones just an all around better prospect?

Jones has the higher floor and a much, much higher ceiling. I think he has top pair potential. Does he reach that? Likely not, but he has that potential IMO.

Jones is an elite skater, has elite tools, just doesn't process the game at an elite level, he's just average in that area. For example, Jones has been obliterated multiple times this year with open ice hits beacuse he's not looking around, or he'll cough up an absolute muffin for the other team, but his tools are enough to take over a game. That's at both ends of the ice too, not just offensively. He has elite tools in his own zone too. What has me so excited is that he has elite tools, but also seems very raw to me, there is so much to build on with him. He will need a ton of time and work though.

The other thing I love about Jones is his attitude, just seems like a winner to me. He's always engaged.

 

[McMozesmadness]

Let's just hope Bear & Jones aren't the D version of Greg Chase and Kyle Platzer. I had such hopes for those two.

Way to early to make a call on these two. Chase has been very impressive lately in Bakersfield.

 

[RuneMcEres]

I hope Bear gets serious about his fitness this summer. I remember reading that he showed up at training camp in poor shape. Management were not impressed. If he steps up his conditioning, he could be a player.

 

[Aceboogie]

Jones has the higher floor and a much, much higher ceiling. I think he has top pair potential. Does he reach that? Likely not, but he has that potential IMO.

Jones is an elite skater, has elite tools, just doesn't process the game at an elite level, he's just average in that area. For example, Jones has been obliterated multiple times this year with open ice hits beacuse he's not looking around, or he'll cough up an absolute muffin for the other team, but his tools are enough to take over a game. That's at both ends of the ice too, not just offensively. He has elite tools in his own zone too. What has me so excited is that he has elite tools, but also seems very raw to me, there is so much to build on with him. He will need a ton of time and work though.

The other thing I love about Jones is his attitude, just seems like a winner to me. He's always engaged.

Thats good to hear. I havent seen much of Jones but I did see some really good things at the WJC. He was relied upon heavily for shutdown tasks and did a really good job. He was used as the jack of all trades type D and did a really good job. Then in the WHL was putting up big offensive numbers

If either Jones or Bear hits their upside well be in great shape, if both do- oh man well be golden

 

[SupremeTeam16]

I've seen Bear a lot the last two years and the progression from last year to this year has me excited. To be honest I was actually quite down on Bear last year despite his nice point totals. Every time I watched him I never thought he was very dynamic offensively, just seemed to have a decent shot and good understanding of the PP, but was a product of a great team. He was never a catalyst, he was always the beneficiary of others great play, mostly Barzal. But this year he's blown my mind, offence looks dynamic. He still has awesome players around him, but between injuries to Kolesar, Barzal missing plenty of time and Gropp being invisible for the first 40 games, he's had to do a lot of the heavy lifting himself. He's joining the rush way more, holding the puck more, just really trusting his own ability. His shot has gotten way better and he is utilizing it in more situations. Last year he was very stationary and would rely on just blasting it through... he still does that, but he's added a very nice wrist shot and the ability to get the shot off in more difficult situations and with less time. His IQ offensively is and always has been top notch.

Breakout passing is another major strength of his. Always tape-to-tape. He knows that he needs to get the puck in the hands of the offensive weapons in Seattle. Skating has improved, especially lateral mobility, but it's still a liability. He hasn't been getting beat wide nearly as often, but it still happens too much for my liking.

As for defence, he defends smart, uses his stick well, but his physical tools are lacking. He doesn't shy away from physicality and often seeks out battles, he plays verty gritty, which is a positive. It's just a lack of strength when engaging that is a concern. So if he struggles with being out-muscled at the junior level it will be very tough at pro. My hope is that he eventually becomes a Benning type in his own zone. I think that is a realistic hope and comparable, it will just take time and commitment.

So at this point skating and strength are what could hold him back. He will need a lot of time and work in Bakersfield, but right now there is no reason not to be optimistic about Bear.

Also, judging him of a rookie camp or even just on point totals is ridiculous.

Very good write up on Bear a lot of what you said has me excited for this player because I believe that while he will need some work in certain areas, the parts of his game that you've described as strengths are what this team needs more of and are the areas he will need to be strong at for what management envisions his role with the big club going forward.

He's my pick for a guy in our system that could surprise and make an impact sooner then most think. The strength's in his game match up with team needs, he's played a similar role in juniors and if he comes in with confidence and the team can properly shelter him and put him in that position to succeed and he forms some chemistry with guys like McDavid, Draisaitl up front he could really take off.

 

[McMozesmadness]

Hey gang,

Just put up a new video.

Shift by Shift for Ethan Bear. I highly recommend this one. You can get a really good look at his game at both ends of the ice.



LINK

 

[ImmuneEH]

Hey gang,

Just put up a new video.

Shift by Shift for Ethan Bear. I highly recommend this one. You can get a really good look at his game at both ends of the ice.



LINK

I clicked on it and gave it a view and liked it and subscribed. I didn't feel like watching it though. Can you give us a synopsis? Lol

 

[McMozesmadness]

I clicked on it and gave it a view and liked it and subscribed. I didn't feel like watching it though. Can you give us a synopsis? Lol

Haha. It is a long one. I appreciate the like and sub... if you just want a taste of what he can do jump to the 33:20 mark.