The 13th overall pick faces a crucial setback as he transitions to the pro ranks, stalling his bid to jump directly from junior stardom to Detroit's roster.
On Thursday, Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan announced that 2025 first-round pick Carter Bear is expected to miss seven to ten days with an upper-body injury, a setback that comes at an inopportune time for the 19-year-old as he looks to make his jump to professional hockey this season.
Bear, taken 13th overall in 2025, had been viewed as a potential contender for a spot on Detroit's main roster this fall. He's expected to begin his pro career with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL, but with the preseason still young, having played in just one exhibition game so far, the door hadn't been fully closed on him forcing his way onto the Red Wings' NHL roster.
This season marks Bear's long-anticipated jump to the professional ranks after a standout finish to his junior career, one that saw him help the Everett Silvertips post the best record in franchise history. His individual scoring dipped slightly, with 77 points in 53 games compared to 82 points in 56 the year before, but that dip came with important context.
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Bear reshaped his game over the course of the season, evolving from a primarily skill-based scoring forward into more of a physical, hard-nosed presence. That shift was on full display in his preseason opener against Columbus, where he finished with four hits.
At six-foot, 187 pounds, Bear began using his frame far more effectively down the stretch, developing into a legitimate net-front threat while still holding onto the playmaking ability and scoring touch that made him such a highly regarded prospect. That offensive upside showed up when it mattered most, as Bear caught fire in the playoffs, racking up 22 points in 18 games to help fuel Everett's historic run.
The hope now is that Bear can put the injury behind him quickly and carry his new, more well-rounded style of play into his first taste of professional hockey this season.
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