Canadian defenseman emerges as a great possibility for the Toronto Maple Leafs

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Julien Trekker
December 7, 2023 (9:48)

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The Maple Leafs' Quest for a New Defenseman

Brad Treliving finally put into words what fans have been saying for weeks, even months: they must do something about their thin blue line.

Elliotte Friedman wrote in the latest written edition of 32 Thoughts:

"Would we like improve the defence? Absolutely," Treliving said. "It all comes at a cost. There just isn't a lot of high-end defencemen that people are dying to give you for low cost. Ultimately, what is the cost you're going to have to pay for somebody to come in and make a significant difference?"

Fortunately, there's still one defenseman out there that could bring a lot to the team at a low cost.

One of the last interesting free agent still on the market could join the Maple Leafs.

Bear Close to Making a Comeback in the NHL

Ethan Bear, who underwent a major surgery in June, is getting closer to making a return in the NHL.

The member of the Ochapowace Nation even allowed teams to come to Kelowna, B.C., where he trains, to watch him skate.

According to Friedman, a few teams could take up on his offer:

"Another possibility for Toronto (and everyone else) is Ethan Bear. There is word tonight that interested teams will now be allowed to watch him skate. He's based in Kelowna, B.C., and a few are going to take him up on the offer. Vancouver would like to keep him � he's interested in a return � but the Canucks are cap-tight and there are others who can try to outbid."

Bear, while he isn't a top tier defenseman, could definitely bolster the Leafs' blue line at a potentially low cost.

Do you think Treliving should sign Ethan Bear?