The Detroit Red Wings took Carter Bear with the 13th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft.
The Wings were projected to take winger Viktor Eklund with their pick, according to The Athletic’s mock draft.
However, Steve Yzerman and his staff went ahead and took Bear. He looks like a solid winger with top-line potential. The 18-year-old is listed at 6’0” and 179 pounds. While he doesn’t project as a power forward, his skill set can help the Red Wings get crucial scoring.
Elite Prospects describes Bear as a “net-front presence,” a “physical forward,” and a “playmaker.”
Here’s the scouting report on Bear: "Bear leaves nothing to chance. No matter the size of the opponent, the score, or the situation, he enters every battle with speed and never concedes an inch. Bear’s playoffs-every-night mentality also powers his offensive game. He powers through contact to get to the net, relentlessly battles in the slot for tips and rebounds, and dominates play from the hashmarks and in."
Bear’s strong work ethic is something the Red Wings could certainly benefit from as the club looks to add more high-end talent.
As it stands, Bear could be a great presence on the Wings’ second line with budding star Marco Kasper.
It’s also worth pointing out that Bear can play center. So, he provides another option for the Wings to deploy Bear down the middle if need be.
Red Wings filled a crucial need with Carter Bear
The Red Wings have a solid list of blue liners on the roster now and coming up through the pipeline. However, the Wings could use more scoring wingers. Beyond Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond, the Wings needed more.
Bear fills that need. He can step into a middle-six role as he climbs into the Red Wings’ lineup. Bear ended his season with the Everett Silvertips of the WHL, scoring 82 points in 56 games.
If Bear can translate those skills to the NHL, the Wings could have themselves a steal at No. 13, making Yzerman look like a genius.