Why the Red Wings Rolled the Dice on Carter Bear at No. 13 — A Bold Draft Gamble with Big Potential…Read More…
In a draft filled with elite talent, high-octane forwards, and towering defensemen, the Detroit Red Wings made a move that turned heads around the hockey world. With the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Red Wings selected Carter Bear — a name not topping most mock drafts but now forever etched in Detroit’s hockey future.
For many fans, the selection came as a surprise. Bear, a rugged 6’2” forward from the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL), was ranked between 17th and 24th on most scouting boards. But for Detroit’s front office, led by General Manager Steve Yzerman and Director of Amateur Scouting Kris Draper, Carter Bear was not just a player — he was a vision.
A Player Built for Detroit Hockey
“He’s a Red Wing,” Yzerman said moments after making the pick. “Carter plays the game with an edge, he’s relentless on the forecheck, and he’s a leader both on and off the ice. That’s the kind of DNA we’re building this team around.”
Indeed, Bear’s game echoes the grinding, determined style of past Detroit legends — a mixture of grit, skill, and an unwavering motor. In his final WHL season, Bear posted 71 points in 65 games, including 29 goals and 42 assists, while racking up 92 penalty minutes. Those numbers reflect not just his offensive production, but his physical presence.
“He’s not afraid to go into the dirty areas,” said Draper. “He finishes his checks, wins battles along the boards, and elevates his teammates. There’s a lot of Jamie Benn in him, maybe a sprinkle of Ryan O’Reilly.”
Character Over Flash
What may have solidified Bear’s place in Detroit’s plans wasn’t just his numbers or size — it was his intangibles. According to sources within the Red Wings organization, Bear impressed during interviews at the NHL Combine, showcasing leadership qualities beyond his years.
“He talked like a 10-year veteran,” said one Red Wings scout. “He owns his game. He’s accountable. When things don’t go well, he doesn’t point fingers — he looks inward and finds solutions.”
His maturity stood out, especially considering the high-pressure moments he faced in Brandon. As team captain, Bear led the Wheat Kings to the second round of the WHL playoffs. Despite facing injury concerns late in the season, he played through pain, delivering crucial plays when it mattered most.
“Pain is temporary,” Bear said during a post-game interview after a Game 5 overtime win in the playoffs. “Winning with your brothers is forever.”
That attitude, combined with his on-ice tenacity, made him an irresistible target for a Red Wings team still building its core.
A Pick That Reflects a Strategy
Detroit’s selection of Bear also signals a shift in draft philosophy. While Yzerman’s previous drafts included more finesse and high-skill players — such as Simon Edvinsson, Marco Kasper, and Lucas Raymond — the Bear pick suggests a return to the franchise’s storied physical identity.
“They have Raymond, they have [Dylan] Larkin, they have Seider on the back end. Now they want a guy who can go into a playoff series and make it uncomfortable for the opposition,” said NHL analyst Kevin Weekes. “Carter Bear is that guy.”
This balance of skill and sandpaper is becoming a theme in Detroit’s rebuild. The team is crafting a roster that doesn’t just win in the regular season, but can also thrive in the intensity of playoff hockey. Bear’s selection, while perhaps unconventional at 13th, is rooted in that philosophy.
Carter Bear’s Reaction
When his name was called, Carter Bear rose from his seat with a grin that spanned from ear to ear. Wearing a sharp suit and surrounded by his parents and younger sister, he made his way to the stage, pulling on the iconic winged wheel jersey with pride.
“This is a dream,” Bear said during his post-draft interview. “Detroit is a city that breathes hockey, and I’m ready to give everything I have. I want to be part of something special there.”
His humility, combined with confidence, was evident throughout his media availability. When asked what Red Wings fans should expect from him, Bear responded with clarity:
“They’re going to see a guy who plays every shift like it’s his last. I’ll protect my teammates, I’ll contribute offensively, and I’ll never back down. I want to earn their trust the right way.”
What’s Next for Bear?
While it’s too early to say if Bear will crack the Red Wings’ NHL roster this fall, there’s no doubt the organization has high hopes. He’ll likely attend development camp in July, followed by a strong push to join the team at training camp in September.
If Bear doesn’t make the jump immediately, he could spend time with Detroit’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, or even return to the WHL for another season of seasoning. But make no mistake — the Red Wings believe his time is coming soon.
“He’s closer than people think,” Draper noted. “He has the body, the mindset, and the hunger.”
A Message to the League
With the No. 13 pick, Detroit could have gone for a flashy winger or a high-risk/high-reward defenseman. Instead, they opted for a player who may not have lit up the pre-draft headlines — but who fits their identity perfectly.
In a league moving increasingly toward speed and skill, the Red Wings reminded the world that heart, grit, and leadership still matter.
Whether Carter Bear becomes a top-six forward or carves out a niche as a shutdown specialist, his arrival in Detroit marks more than just another prospect. It’s a declaration of what kind of team the Red Wings intend to be.
Hard-nosed. Fearless. And fiercely determined.
Just like Carter Bear.
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