BREAKING: Red Wings Draft High Motor Scorer Carter Bear

Red Line Report called Carter Bear “a naturally instinctive, creative scorer.” But the Everett Silvertips standout didn’t talk about his impressive offensive gifts when he met with the media for the first time as a member of the Detroit Red Wings organization.

Asked to explain how his game led to the Detroit Red Wings drafting him 13th overall, Bear said, “I always wanted it more than other guys on the ice. So that brings a lot to the table for me.”

That attitude may be as impressive as his offensive tools.

“He’s the type of player that when you go watch him play,” Detroit assistant GM Kris Draper said. “Sometimes you walk out of the rink and really appreciate the effort that he gave.”

The Red Wings need more scoring prospects, and Bear netted 40 goals in 56 games last season before suffering an Achilles injury in March.

“(He) plays one of those uber projectable pro style games, in that he’s an effective contributor all over the ice and in different situations,” independent scouting service Red Line Report said of Bear. “His high work rate and forechecking skill are strong assets, and he’s got a varied offensive toolkit. ”

Carter Bear
6ft 179lbs LW LS
56GP 40G 42A 77PIM 14PPG 2SHG
it, Bear is a physical tenacious player who can win puck battles around the net and in the corners. He can score around the net and from medium distance. He’s got good playmaking. Bear has above average skating. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/m1GhlsTFAa

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) June 28, 2025

Red Line Report wrote that Bear is the Swiss Army Knife that every NHL team needs.

“He’ll be a key player on both special team’s units,” the scouting report read. “A perfect support piece to add to a team’s top six, and won’t look out of place playing tough minutes on a contender.”

Injury No Problem Long-term

His injury is not going to have a long-term impact, although it doesn’t sound like he can fully participate in this summer in Detroit’s development camp.

“I’m skating right now,” Bear said. “It’s about 80% I would say, not really going into contact yet. Don’t really want to take a step ahead and and set me back more. But right now it’s good for the (upcoming) season, for sure. “

Bear’s compete level makes his scoring ability more dangerous. Bear is like a hungry cougar always prowling for an opportunity to strike

“I create opportunities with my competitiveness,” Bear said.  “Wanting the puck and stripping D men with the puck and creating plays. Obviously, I have a hard nose with the puck in front of the net. I got great timing from the net, knowing where to be and be at the right spots at the right time. I got pretty good touch with the puck.”

Bear is Steve Yzerman’s ninth first-round pick since taking his first pick as a Detroit general manager in 2019.

The others: Moritz Seider (2019), Lucas Raymond (2020), Simon Edvinsson (2021), Sebastian Cossa (2021), Marco Kasper (2022), Nate Danielson (2023), Axel Sandin Pellikka (2023) and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (2024).