The Detroit Red Wings have plenty of prospects to get excited about, but one name in particular has gone somewhat under the radar: former first round pick Carter Bear.
In the chaos of the offseason, Bear's quiet consistency and mentality have gone a little unnoticed. Bear capped off yet another successful season with the Everett Silvertips, putting up 77 points in 53 games. He's been described as everything from tenacious to slippery, his shifty style of play opening up passing lanes with ease.
Off the rink, Bear is reminiscent of older Red Wings.
In an interview with the Detroit News, Bear is candid about his approach to next season. "It's pro now, and it's a whole level of hockey," he began.. "It's different than junior. It's faster and you have to be smarter and stronger. I just have to work on my game, that's what Detroit wants me to focus on and I trust Detroit on whatever their best development is for me."
"I trust them with that and it'll all work out."
After months upon months of the Dylan Larkin fiasco, hearing Bear speak so candidly is a breath of fresh air.
The case for Carter Bear
Many believe Bear has a chance to crack the Red Wings roster out of camp. Daily Faceoff's prospect guru, Steven Ellis, sees Bear as an NHLer next season. His play style, coupled with his hunger, make him an ideal fit on the roster. For a team starved for offense, this could very well be a match made in heaven.
There are currently two spots open on the roster - one on the second line (assuming Alex DeBrincat plays on the top line), and one on the third. The Red Wings, of course, have a contingency plan if Bear isn't ready, but this is about as ideal of a runway as one can get.
Bear is listed as both a left wing and a center. Should he make the roster, he'll likely get a few reps at both, but the Red Wings will no doubt start him on the wing. If things go according to plan, they can move Alex DeBrincat up to the first line and slot him in on the second opposite Viktor Arvidsson. This, in turn, helps to stack the top line against competition while giving Bear a bit of breathing room with some veteran help.
Why Bear might need some AHL time
If ever there was a team that lets their prospects marinate, it's the Detroit Red Wings. They've developed quite a reputation for "over ripening" their prospects, preferring to let them debut later in their development. This sort of strategy was effective in the Ken Holland era when the Red Wings were playoff regulars. Now, however, it's a relic of the past.
In today's NHL, prospects can (and should) make mistakes. They should be allowed to learn from them. It's hard to do that when you're looked at under a microscope by the same organization that keeps guys like Michael Rasmussen and Mason Appleton employed.
There is also an argument that Bear may need some AHL time regardless, as the pace of the NHL (and the AHL, for that matter) is completely different than the WHL. This time around, Bear will play against grown men rather than up-and-coming younger players.
Time, training camp and the preseason will tell what happens with Bear. But, for now, he's one of the most exciting players to watch as the preseason draws closer.
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