The 2025 NHL Draft is just 11 days away, and teams around the league are locking in on who they might pick. For the Columbus Blue Jackets, things are a little more interesting this year with two first-round picks: No. 14 and No. 20.

Because those picks are only six spots apart, there’s a good chance they’ll be targeting a similar group of players. Typically, that 14–21 range features prospects who are close in overall talent and upside. Over the last few weeks, my colleague Jason Newland and I have highlighted a few names to watch—Kashawn Aitcheson, Joshua Ravensbergen, and Radim Mrtka have all been mentioned as potential targets.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at another player who could be in the mix: Carter Bear of the Everett Silvertips in the WHL.

Scouting Report

Team: Everett Silvertips (WHL)

2024–25 Stats: 40 G, 42 A, 82 P, 77 PIM

DOB: Nov. 4, 2006

Position: Forward

Shoots: Left

Height: 6-foot-0

Weight: 179 lbs

Bear could very well be a top target for the Blue Jackets. He’s a versatile forward who can play both center and wing, and he has the tools to become a high-end point producer at the NHL level. He also doesn’t shy away from the physical side of the game. He plays with tenacity, goes to the front of the net, and isn’t afraid to battle in the corners. On the defensive side, his instincts are strong—whether it’s getting into shooting lanes or cutting off passes, he’s engaged and aware.

Some scouts feel that with Bear, you’re getting a complete 200-foot player. He’s got great hockey IQ, strong offensive and defensive tools, and pairs it all with a physical edge that adds value beyond the scoresheet. His draft stock did take a bit of a hit when he suffered an Achilles laceration late in the season, but the injury isn’t expected to impact how he plays going forward.

Bear is the cousin of Ethan Bear, who’s currently in the Washington Capitals organization. He’s hoping to follow a similar path and make his Peguis First Nation community proud by reaching the NHL.

Columbus Blue Jackets 2025 Draft Target: Radim Mrtka The 2025 NHL Draft is just 16 days away, and with the combine now in the rearview mirror, NHL teams are meeting with their scouting staffs to go over potential picks and finalize their draft boards.

What the Scouts Are Saying:

“He possesses quick, soft hands, legit skill, good speed and a natural shot, but he also stays around it, plays with intensity, works extremely hard and goes to the net and inside ice. I’ve seen him make some impressive skill plays this season and dance goalies and defensemen, but he can also beat you with his work ethic. I like both the intentionality of his game and the way he uses his skill to play to the middle third.” — Scott Wheeler, The Athletic

“Bear is the kind of player who can be relied upon to score timely goals and provide reliable detail, and tenacity, in all three zones. The Silvertips are a team that plays an 'in your face' style of hockey and Bear fits the mold.” — Jason Bukala, Sportsnet

“Bear plays the game physically on and off the puck, inviting contact and then playing through it. His forechecking and puck pursuit are among the best in class, and he never lacks effort defensively, either.” — Tony Ferrari, The Hockey News

“Bear's shot is his strength, especially his ability to get it off quick in tight spaces. He's smart and skilled enough to find open ice and produce but is strong enough to make space for himself below the face-off dots and finish around the net.” — Adam Kimelman, NHL.com

“Bear is a player who plays with an extremely high motor, engaging in contact whenever he can and directing plays through the middle of the ice and at the net front. Despite the fact that he’s not a particularly large player at 6'0", paired with footspeed that I’d only describe as average, you can always count on Bear to consistently apply pressure on the forecheck, win puck battles, and force mistakes.” — Smaht Scouting

Columbus Blue Jackets 2025 Draft Target: Joshua Ravensbergen The 2025 NHL Draft is a little over two weeks away, and the CBJ are scheduled to have two picks. Will they make them, or will Don Waddell use them as ammo to make trades? That's the million-dollar question. 

If the Blue Jackets decide to use one of their first-round picks on Bear, it could point to them targeting a defenseman or goaltender with the other. There’s also a very real chance they look to move one of those picks in a trade. While I don’t necessarily think Bear is sitting at the top of their list, if the board doesn’t fall their way and some of their main targets are off the board, he’s definitely someone who could be in the conversation.

Personally, I still think their focus might lean toward a goaltender like Joshua Ravensbergen. But Bear would be an excellent option to slot into the top six alongside players like Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson. His mix of skill, edge, and hockey sense makes him a strong fit for the type of team the Blue Jackets are trying to build.

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