The Detroit Red Wings select Carter Bear with the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft

With the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Detroit Red Wings, joined by Full House actor Dave Coulier, selected Carter Bear from the Everett Silvertips.

The 18-year-old forward was in the midst of an outstanding season, racking up 82 points before an Achilles injury in early March abruptly ended his campaign with 12 games left to play. The Winnipeg native averaged 1.46 points per game, putting him on pace for nearly 100 points over a full 68-game WHL schedule.

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Bear spoke with GM Steve Yzerman directly after the pick was made. Yzerman called Bear "an extremely intelligent hockey player, very competitive and highly skilled" and added that Bear is "a special young prospect" in the eyes of the franchise. 

Bear was very soft spoken saying he was speechless and graciously thanked Yzerman and the rest of the organization for giving him the opportunity. 

We spoke to WHL insider for The Hockey News, Dawson Petryshen, who saw Bear play in person just before his injury and can speak to the talent of the player. 

"I did get the chance to see him live once, albeit early in the season and he may not have gotten on the scoresheet, he put on two shots and set up a couple decent chances," WHL Insider Dawson Petryshen Explained on Bear "I can vouch for what others have said in that he's a hard working forward that's more often than not in the right place, and will make a much more positive impact when he's on the ice." 

Detroit is always on the lookout for elite playmakers, and according to Petryshen, Bear could be a strong fit within the Red Wings' system as a valuable role player.

"While he may not be a top line talent in the NHL, there is absolutely a future with him in a middle-six role that focuses on checking and providing about 40 points a year and some valuable penalty kill time," Petryshen Said on Bear's Fit in Detroit "If paired with a player like Andrew Copp for veteran presence, or given preseason reps with Lucas Raymond to boost his offence, the future is bright." 

The hope is that Bear grows into a player in the mold of Copp, but with the upside to produce 50 to 60 points, something both Petryshen’s insight and Bear’s WHL stats hint could be within reach. He plays with a high motor, sharp hockey sense, and a physical edge that fits the identity of the city of Detroit.

Built for the grind, Bear brings a blue-collar mentality that suits the Motor City. Despite the severity of his injury, his drive and all-around game leave little doubt he has the tools to become an NHL regular.

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