A new team has emerged as a frontrunner in the race to secure the services of a top remaining free agent. <h2>Top Free Agent Nearing Return Ramps Up Negotiations</h2> Today reports are confirming that defenseman Ethan Bear is close to a return to the NHL. Bear much like Patrick Kane had an injury that delayed his signing and ability to play. Now that he is back teams are beginning to call on Bear. According to multiple sources, the two early favorites during the process were the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs. Bear has a history playing for the Canucks but now reports have indicated they are likely out of the running. <q>The Canucks have been told they are out on UFA Ethan Bear.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/DhaliwalSports/status/1734255567852691739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1734255567852691739%7Ctwgr%5E24d3d70423b8a6b3c2c367b920cb7c0570601601%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyhockeydose.com%2Fwashington-capitals%2FNew-Frontrunner-Emerges-For-Free-Agent-Defenseman-In-Late-Stages-of-Negotiations'> </a></blockquote></div> As of now, the Maple Leafs are still in contention. However, according to an insider a new favorite has overtaken them in the race. <h2>New Frontrunner Emerges In Latest Update From Insider</h2> Elliotte Friedman during his 32 Thoughts Podcast talked about the Bear situation. He believes the Canucks and Maple Leafs are still in on Bear. However, a clear frontrunner has emerged that is believed to be the likely destination. <q>Friedman at the intermission says Capitals could sign Ethan Bear soon, nothing official, but they've made a run at him.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/NHL_Watcher/status/1733671259710312689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1733671259710312689%7Ctwgr%5E24d3d70423b8a6b3c2c367b920cb7c0570601601%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyhockeydose.com%2Fwashington-capitals%2FNew-Frontrunner-Emerges-For-Free-Agent-Defenseman-In-Late-Stages-of-Negotiations'> </a></blockquote></div> Since the Capitals decided to move on from Dmitry Orlov last season they have been missing a high-caliber puck mover on defense. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1733665900719694256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1733665900719694256%7Ctwgr%5E24d3d70423b8a6b3c2c367b920cb7c0570601601%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyhockeydose.com%2Fwashington-capitals%2FNew-Frontrunner-Emerges-For-Free-Agent-Defenseman-In-Late-Stages-of-Negotiations'> </a></blockquote></div> Bear would be able to provide that and play a key role on a team looking to get back in the playoffs. <a href='https://www.puckreporter.com/Elliotte-Friedman-Reveals-Frontrunner-For-Prize-Free-Agent-With-Decision-On-The-Horizon-309663?fbclid=IwAR1KmR0ik4ggTne48FihI8SUbl_w0y9FnvSNZctdmoOI8rElq-Ikpf_U8AM' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>As Read On - Puck Reporter - Elliotte Friedman Reveals Frontrunner For Prize Free Agent With Decision On The Horizon</a>