Caps accept but makes the locker room unhappy signing a guy a month ago and trading him away

Valid, but the Caps need to do something similar to this anyway, especially if they want to get back in the playoff race in the next couple seasons while Ovechkin is still kickin'. On top of that, they need to optimize Ovechkin's time with them, because he may want to be a Capitals lifer, so a move like this could actually benefit them more in the long run, even if the optics of signing Bear a month or two ago and then trading him are kinda questionable.

Considering he hasn't been very good, I don't mind sending him out. I think he'll be better next season after a full training camp, but he's been quite unimpressive outside of a select few games.

I very much agree with you there. I just don't think it sends the right message to potential free agents signing in Washington. It basically says we have no loyalty to the players we bring in.