NHL: Hurricanes re-sign Ethan Bear, Rangers ink Kaapo Kakko, and more news
Anthony Scultore
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The Carolina Hurricanes re-signed defenseman Ethan Bear to a one-year, $2.2 million contract on Thursday.
Bear, 25, posted 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in 58 games in his first season with Carolina in 2021-22.
“Adjusting to a new team and system can be challenging for a young defenseman,” said GM Don Waddell. “We are confident Ethan will be able to take another step in his development this season.”
He has 47 points (13 goals, 34 assists) in 190 career games with the Edmonton Oilers (2017-21) and Hurricanes.
Edmonton drafted him in the fifth round in 2015 and traded him to Carolina in July 2021 for forward Warren Foegele.
New York Rangers extend Kaapo Kakko
The New York Rangers and Kaapo Kakko came to terms on a two-year contract extension worth $4.2 million ($2.1M AAV).
Kakko, 21, played in just 43 games last season due to three stints on the injured list. He managed to record 18 points during the regular season with another 5 points in 19 postseason contests.
“We think the world of him, he’s a terrific young player. We want him here for a really long time,” GM Chris Drury said on July 13.
The Rangers selected the native of Turku, Finland second overall in the 2019 NHL Draft.
Since then, he’s accumulated 26 goals and 58 points in 157 career games in the league. Per the team’s press release, Kakko’s career point totals have him tied for fourth most all-time among Blueshirts who were 20 or younger as of January 31, 2022.
New York Islanders add John MacLean to staff
The New York Islanders announced on Thursday the addition of John MacLean to the coaching staff.
MacLean reunites with GM Lou Lamoriello, who he played for while with the New Jersey Devils. The 57 year-old played in 1,194 NHL games with Devils (934), Sharks (51), New York Rangers (161), and Dallas Stars (48) scoring 842 points.
Last season, MacLean was an assistant coach under Bob Boughner with the San Jose Sharks before being let go in July. He also serves as assistant coach with the Coyotes, Hurricanes and Devils.
–Field Level Media contributed to this article
