You can never miss Bear when he’s on the ice, he’s everywhere impacting play in one form or another. He doesn’t just have one of the most active motors I have ever seen, he’s smart about it too. Smart angles, disguised intentions and the puck skills to make the moves he wants. There is without a doubt an NHL future for Bear. His smarts and vision with that motor will be loved by coaches. It’s purely an upside question left for Bear. Is he an energetic support player on a third line or an energetic playmaker on a scoring line? His pedigree, skill, growth and achievements so far all lend themselves towards a future on a second line with power-play deployment to boot. I’d predict Bear as a 60-70 point player with upside for over a point-per-game in his best seasons, but even his worst outcome looks like a 40-point player. No-risk, medium to high reward.

Weekly 2026 NHL Draft Eligible Three Stars

The Nokia native opened the Memorial Cup in impressive fashion. He recorded a secondary assist on a goal by Detroit Red Wings prospect Carter Bear to extend Everett’s lead to 4-2.

Bear has returned to the Everett Silvertips for his third full season, and has started the year with a point per game pace- four goals and eight assists in 12 games- while adding 18 penalty minutes.

The biggest concern heading into the draft for Bear was the injury he suffered this year in early March where he partially tore his achilles from a skate laceration. Despite that, he resumed skating ahead of schedule which quickly silenced any doubts surrounding his health on draft day. Since then, he’s signed his entry level contract with the Wings but is expected to return to the WHL for his D+1 season.

Carter Bear has put pen to paper on his ELC, a three-year deal with an AAV of $975,000. He will take another turn in the WHL in 2025-2026.

Selected 13th overall, Carter Bear is now a member of the Detroit Red Wings.

It is impossible to envision a situation where Carter Bear is not a middle-six forward with a long NHL career. He’s one of the most dominant and intense checking forwards in the CHL: if there’s a battle he’ll win it. Especially considering he’s near the tops of the CHL in scoring, more and more people are starting to get on board with Bear’s offensive game as well. He’s inside driven, creates shots from in-tight, and can handle or make plays with pace. Carter Bear has one of (if not the) highest floors in the draft, and there’s reason to believe that his scoring could translate to a top-six role. Luke Sweeney

Why Carter Bear Could Be The Steal Of The Draft

Relentless and Refined: Carter Bear’s Rise as a Top NHL Draft Prospect By TheProspectDon

Carter Bear is the type of player every coach wants and every team needs. A versatile offensive threat with the ability to play all three forward positions, Bear’s skillset is as adaptable as it is dangerous. With elite agility, a powerful first step, and a knack for generating high-danger scoring chances, he stands out as one of the most complete forwards in the 2025 NHL Draft class.

What separates Bear from many of his peers isn’t just his physical tools, though his quick release, smooth hands, and reliability in all situations are undeniable. It’s his hockey sense and vision. Whether it’s threading a pass in tight spaces or anticipating pressure, Bear makes the game look simple.

“I think just keeping it simple, not doing too much,” he said when asked about his elite playmaking in tight areas. “Just making the right plays at the right time. You don’t have to complicate it. Play the game right and the bounces will go your way.”

Team play is the heartbeat of Bear’s game. “When everyone’s working together, when passes are tape-to-tape, and the whole team’s moving as one… that’s when I love it most.”

That mentality shows up in his choice of NHL comparison, Brandon Hagel, a relentless, tenacious forward known for his motor and commitment to every shift. “He doesn’t take a shift off. He’s not lazy. That’s who I like to play like,” Bear said.

Off the ice, Bear’s character shines just as brightly. “My teammates know the real me, a humble guy who loves the game and wants a long NHL career. But it’s also about having a good life outside of hockey, staying healthy, and being happy. That’s important too.”

Roughly seven weeks ago, Bear suffered a partial Achilles tendon cut, an injury that would rattle most players in their draft year. But Bear took it in stride. “I was pretty bummed, obviously,” he said. “But I didn’t want to bring that energy into the locker room. I just wanted to support the boys.” His rehab has progressed faster than expected, and he may even be on the ice for summer events, though he’s wisely cautious not to rush the process.

While the draft looms, Bear remains focused on what he can control. “Two years ago, I would’ve never imagined this. It’s been such a cool experience, and I’m just trying to stay grateful. It’s a little stressful, sure, but right now, I’m just focused on my rehab.”

Looking ahead, Bear has a clear vision for his five-year plan. “It starts with having a good summer, eating right, training every day, skating every other day. It’s about taking care of your body and pushing yourself to be the best on and off the ice.”

When asked about his biggest on-ice strength, Bear didn’t hesitate. “Hard skill, tenacity, relentless effort. I’m a hard-nosed, skilled player.” But he also recognizes there’s room to grow. “My first three strides, acceleration and skating for sure. That’s something I’m working on.”

One quality he hopes scouts see is his competitiveness. “My willingness to win, battles, races, the little details that matter. Hopefully, people spot that.”

With his blend of skill, grit, and maturity, Carter Bear isn’t just a name to watch. He’s a player you build around.

Bear is returning to action after healing from a partially torn Achillies tendon, and may take some time to get fully up to speed, which could help explain the seemingly slower pace than he was on prior to the injury last season.

Bear remains a solid fantasy asset given his offensive prowess and physicality. Don’t fret the slow start, and keep tabs on the managers in your leagues if you sense them getting impatient. Bear will likely get back ahead of his point per game pace, as implied by his two multi-point games in the last four as at writing.

Finishing with 82 points (40 goals, 42 assists) in 56 games, Bear exploded offensively last season for the Everett Silvertips. There’s a lot to like about his game but his compete level is what stands out the most. In his own end, he’s positionally sound and rarely gets caught out of coverage. He transitions up the ice with speed and intent to create scoring chances off the rush. He has great vision to find teammates and has a knack to score goals around the net. Bear dominates in all three zones and there is a reason why he led his team in every offensive category. He is impressive along the boards, winning the majority of his battles. Bear gets involved physically using his body during puck pursuit and uses his motor to overwhelm opponents. Trusted in all situations, Bear has top-six forward written all over him. I have no doubt he’ll have a long NHL career.

Final Rankings – If it weren’t for the injury, Bear could very well have ended up much higher than this: he has the intangible tools that every NHL team covets. He’s a relentless hard-worker, a constant pace-pusher, and plays a detailed game. He’s shown he can play an intentional, straight-lines checking game in addition to a more skilled, dynamic one. He’s played centre or the wing, either complementarily or as the main driver. He was one of the WHL’s highest scorers on one of its best teams—even if that was hampered later in the season by Everett’s injury issues and, therefore, greater defensive responsibility for Bear. In a draft whose top-end talent falls off abruptly, Bear offers a surefire top-six bet, so long as his recovery goes according to plan.—