Carter Bear was initially listed on the roster for the rookie showcase against the Dallas Stars, only to be a late scratch.
The 2025 first-round selection—taken 13th overall by Detroit—is in the midst of recovering from a partially torn Achilles tendon suffered in March, the result of an errant skate blade that prematurely ended his season.
At just 18 years old, Bear’s setback was significant, yet not enough to dissuade the Red Wings from investing in his long-term potential.
The question lingering over the fanbase is simple: Should there be concern?
Grand Rapids Griffins head coach Dan Watson was quick to temper speculation, telling reporters the organization’s goal is straightforward—they want Bear “ready for main camp.”
There should be some concern
It is not difficult to appreciate the logic on both sides of the equation. Any iteration of an Achilles injury is significant, and the Red Wings gain little by risking a prized asset in what is, at its core, a relatively low-stakes showcase.
For most of the rookies, these games represent high theater—every shift a de facto audition before a wall of scouts. But for Bear, the calculus shifts. His path has already been charted as a central figure in Detroit’s long-term plans. Unlike his peers, he need not prove his place.
That said, there remains a natural curiosity. Would it not have been valuable to see Bear log even a brief shift or two, if only to gauge his comfort level, to discern where the tendon felt stable and where hesitation lingered?
The organization’s approach suggests that the rookie showcase is of little consequence compared to the crucible of training camp. Yet, paradoxically, the risk profile at training camp—where pace and intensity rise dramatically—may well exceed that of the rookie games.
These questions do not stem from doubt so much as intrigue. Information surrounding Bear’s recovery remains limited, though there are hints of optimism.
Consider, by comparison, Logan O’Connor of the Colorado Avalanche: following offseason hip surgery, he has already returned to the ice, impressing observers with his fluidity despite being far from full contact readiness. It raises the possibility that Bear, too, is recovering ahead of schedule—though until camp begins, speculation is all that remains.
According to medical experts, the recovery window for a partially torn Achilles tendon in a high-demand sport such as hockey generally falls within the five-to-eight-month range. Bear’s current status lands squarely in the middle of that spectrum, which makes the organization’s decision to err on the side of caution entirely defensible.
This week, however, will provide the first real clarity: with the opening of training camp, the public will finally get a clear look at Bear’s physical readiness and whether the long rehabilitation has truly restored him to form.
Despite a limited season with the Everett Silvertips, Bear posted an incredible 82 points (40 goals, 42 assists) in 56 games. When you look at it from that perspective, it’s very clear the Red Wings have Bear’s best interests in mind.
They want this kid for the long haul.