We've reached the time of the season where Detroit Red Wings fans are watching the prospects cook. Some may look at the absolutely loaded Grand Rapids Griffins lineup and wonder when (or if) Carter Bear will make his debut this season. Thanks to his absolutely monstrous performance in the WHL playoffs, it looks like Bear will spend just a little longer in he WHL competing for the Ed Chynoweth Cup.
With an assist last night, Bear helped bring the Everett Silvertips to the WHL Finals in a series sweep against the Penticton Vees. This is the third time the Silvertips have made it to the WHL Finals. Should things go according to plan, they could head home with their first championship in franchise history. This is their first appearance in the WHL Finals since 2018.
How Carter Bear performs during this round of the playoffs (and how his offseason goes) will play a huge role in where he starts next season.
How Bear's 2025-26 season went
Bear's offensive numbers mirror his production in his draft year. He scored 36 goals and 41 assists for 77 points in 53 games vs. his draft year production of 40 goals and 42 assists for 82 points in 56 games. On paper, this might not be cause for celebration, but it's important to understand the context.
The strides Bear made defensively have improved his overall game at the expense of a little extra offense. Alex DeBerardinis of Inside the Rink believes that Bear's defense is one of his most underrated attributes. "Bear is a plus defender, and I think he will be immediately at the NHL level," DeBerardinis states. "I feel stronger about Bear’s defensive game than I did about Emmitt Finnie’s or Marco Kasper’s, and both have been plus defensive players."
This doesn't even scratch the surface of one of Bear's biggest strengths: his playoff performance. Bear has been a menace in the WHL playoffs, notching 16 points in 13 games. He imposes his will physically upon his opposition, using speed and smarts to cut off passing lanes and open up scoring chances. There isn't a point during the WHL playoffs where Bear hasn't been noticeable on the ice to some degree.
Bear's NHL readiness
This, of course, leads to the big question: when will Carter Bear be NHL ready? This question, as of right now, has a bit of an open-ended answer. The short answer is that if he shows his stuff during the preseason, he can very well make the opening night roster. Thanks to the recently proposed rule change with the AHL and CHL, if Bear doesn't make the roster, he doesn't have to return to the WHL for his D+2 season.
If Bear doesn't make the opening night roster, he'll find his way to the Grand Rapids Griffins. After that, anything can happen. Still, it seems that the Red Wings will give Bear every opportunity they can to help him make the roster in order to bolster their even-strength scoring.
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