With training camp just around the corner, players looking to make the Detroit Red Wings Opening Night roster are taking advantage of every opportunity they can get.
For prospect Carter Bear, it isn’t just about having a good camp. It’s about making a lasting impression on the organization.
In a recent interview with Marco D’Amico of R.org, the former first-round pick from 2025 discussed how he spent the entire summer getting ready for his first shot at the NHL.
“Training here in Detroit is a privilege, to be around pro staff,” Bear said. “Trainers and stuff give me a sheet of what they want me to do, and I ask a lot of questions to make sure I’m doing it right. It’s a huge summer for me.”
Instead of enjoying his offseason on vacation, Bear spent his time in Detroit, getting to know the organization, and trying to learn as much as he could from the Red Wings’ veterans.
“Around the rink, Ben Chiarot is around here in the summer,” Bear said. “I see him quite a few times. He likes to chirp me a lot, but it’s all fun and games. Great guy and cool to learn from.”
But beyond his future teammates, Bear credits other Red Wings legends for their ongoing support.
“Dan Cleary and Niklas Kronwall, they had a whole meeting with the players. They talked about what it means to be a Red Wing and talked about their stories and what they went through. It’s pretty cool how they talk about their experience and help get the best out of us.”
With so much talent oozing in the 19-year-old forward, he might just become one of the next great Red Wings.
Bear taking time to bond with fellow prospects
As much being a rookie is about learning, it’s also about creating bonds. In particular, Bear spent this summer forming a close relationship with another highly touted Red Wings prospects, J.P. Hulbert.
The duo spent time bonding, both as teammates and as friends.
“I think it was great for creating bonds for the future,” Bear said. “I was in an Airbnb with J.P. Hurlbert for a little bit. He’s such a good guy and funny off the ice.”
It’s a good thing the pair get along very well. If everything goes according to plan, the two of them should become Red Wings mainstays for the time to come.
At the end of the day, the young man is clear about one thing: The ultimate goal of the winged wheel is to win.
“I want to win here. I think everyone does,” Bear said.
And he’s clear about the fact that he’s not just playing for any team. He’s playing for one of the Original Six.
“It’s a special organization, Original Six team and an unbelievable amount of history here and all the legends and what they had. You want to win here. For me, I need to do anything that’s possible to help this team win in the future.”
There’s a very good chance that Carter Bear can crack the Red Wings’ lineup this fall. With a strong camp, coupled with lineup spots potentially opening, Detroit fans could very well see one of the most exciting players to come up through the Wings’ system over the last couple of seasons.
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