The Detroit Red Wings have signed Carter Bear to a three-year, entry-level contract. The Everett Silvertips forward was drafted by Detroit 13th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Bear is the fifth WHLer to sign his ELC, joining Radim Mrtka, Braeden Cootes, Ben Kindel and Lynden Lakovic.

Bear was a goal-scoring machine during the 2024-25 season. He scored 40 times while recording 82 points in 56 games. Unfortunately, Bear's season was cut short as he suffered partially-torn Achilles tendon in March. 

Despite Bear's injury, he is expected to be ready for Red Wings training camp in September. The 18-year-old is the eighth Silvertips to be drafted in the first round, and first since Noah Juulsen was selected 26th overall in 2015. Unless he makes Detroit's roster, Bear will be returning to the WHL this season. 

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