Capitals' Bear enters player assistance program

Washington Capitals defenseman Ethan Bear will be away from the team indefinitely after entering the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, the league announced Wednesday.

Bear will return to the Capitals when cleared for on-ice competition by the program administrators.

The 26-year-old has one goal and four points in 24 games this season. He signed a two-year, $4.125-million contract with Washington on Dec. 28 after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained at the IIHF World Championship.

Bear has been a healthy scratch as of late. He hasn't played since March 13 against the Edmonton Oilers.