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New York Times
36 minutes ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Why Red Wings picked Carter Bear with NHL Draft's No. 13 pick
It's no secret that the Detroit Red Wings have a type in the NHL Draft. They like smart players. They like competitive players. And they like responsible players who impact the game in all parts of the ice. You can call it predictable, repetitive or anything else, but broken down to its core elements, they're looking for a lot of the same traits as the rest of the league: the ones that tend to win playoff hockey games. Advertisement It was no surprise, then, when the Red Wings used the No. 13 pick in Friday's NHL Draft on a player who checks all those boxes: Everett (WHL) winger Carter Bear, a 6-foot winger who stands out just as much for his motor as he does for his slick hands and creativity. 'Very skilled, very tenacious. We like the way he thinks the game,' said Kris Draper, the Red Wings' assistant GM and director of amateur scouting. 'He's a player that played in all situations. … He's the type of player that, when you go watch him play, sometimes you walk out of the rink and just really appreciate the effort that he gave. He's consistently, shift-in, shift-out — loves to get in on the forecheck. He's relentless on the puck. Really appreciate the effort, compete, and the way he thinks the game.' When I spoke to Bear at the NHL Draft Combine this month, he said he wanted to be known 'as a tenacious guy' who 'wants to win every battle, wants to win every shift.' That is easy to see on video, as Bear plays with a constant motor, finishes hits and is fearless in going to the hardest areas of the ice. That all certainly appeals to the Red Wings, who have made clear that competitiveness is a key piece of what they consider 'Red Wing DNA.' What makes Bear such a fit, though, is the skill and smarts he brings as part of that package. Combining those qualities — the tenacity and the touch — is what allowed Bear to score 40 goals and 82 points in just 56 games this season. 'The thing with Carter is, he can score in different ways,' Draper said. 'He can score from the perimeter, the way he shoots the puck. He can score off the rush. He can score off the cycle. He gets around the net. So that's obviously a skill in itself, not being one-dimensional, pure-shooter, or a guy that just scores goals one way.' Advertisement In other words, this isn't just a gritty winger who can add secondary offense. He's a highly skilled forward whose smarts and competitive traits should make his creativity translatable as the hockey gets tougher. He's a player with hard skill, able to use his hands and vision in front of the net and willing to give a second effort to get the job done. For a Red Wings team that has struggled to find offense in the hard areas of the ice, Bear could be an antidote to those issues down the line. 'When you get around the net and you're going to score goals like that, there's a chance that on some nights you're going to have to pay the price,' Draper said. 'And with Carter, there's no hesitation to do that. His willingness is something that we really appreciate. He's a hockey player that can score goals in different ways, and that's a skill in itself.' Bear's profile makes him easy to like, and there's not a major weakness that stands out in his game. Even if he's not the fastest player on the ice, his motor means he still plays at a high pace. It's easy to envision him being impactful on the forecheck, scoring around the net and making heady set-up passes from tough spots on the ice as well. 'We believe he plays a style of hockey that is conducive to winning — that good players on good teams do,' Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said. 'He has very good habits. And again, he's a kid that competes hard. He's actually very good with the puck, and very smart, and can make plays, but he has a bit of edge to his game, too. And if he's going in the corner with somebody, he's going to come out with that puck a lot more than not.' He also has a compelling story of resilience. He was sent back from Everett his first year in the WHL after being just a sixth-round pick in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft. Then he had to climb his way up from being a fourth-line type to become one of the league's most productive scorers. Advertisement 'That's what drives me a lot,' he said. 'Working hard and never taking a shift off.' This year, his perseverance has been tested another way, after Bear's season ended early due to a partially lacerated Achilles tendon. 'Having an injury like that, pretty bummed out when you can't play with your teammates during the playoffs,' Bear said. 'It's pretty devastating. But I didn't really want to think that way. I think I tried taking the positive way, going through this whole stage of recovery and being positive all along. … But hearing my name called, it's kind of a relief for sure, but it's also being pretty grateful of what Detroit thinks of me, and giving me that opportunity, for sure.' Bear said Friday night that he is skating — he feels he's at about 80 percent — but he's not in a contact phase yet. The Red Wings, though, felt the injury 'wasn't a concern for us at all,' Yzerman said, after their medical team concluded the injury will heal 100 percent. 'In speaking with our doctors on this one, we don't think it's an injury that limits him, that will restrict him in any way moving forward,' Yzerman said. With a fan base that has grown impatient after nine years outside the playoffs, there was some curiosity about whether Detroit would make its pick at No. 13, or if it would instead trade it for more immediate help. Yzerman has been on record as saying he's willing to use picks, prospects or players in a trade to make the team better, and when he was asked Friday night if there were any trades he had explored, Yzerman said, simply, 'Yes.' However, he didn't reach an agreement on any such discussions, at least on Friday. There are still a few days left before free agency opens on Tuesday, and the offseason does not end then, either. It was mid-July when the Red Wings traded for Alex DeBrincat in 2023, the most consequential trade of Yzerman's tenure. Advertisement Certainly, a splash move Friday could have helped Detroit's path back to the playoffs in 2026. But there is still time to make one, even with the first round of this draft now complete. Instead, they got a prospect in Bear who has the potential to be a playoff-style scorer in the future. And Detroit's enthusiasm about him was clear on Friday night, starting right from Yzerman's comments on ESPN after the pick. 'We think he's an extremely intelligent hockey player,' he said. 'Very competitive, highly skilled, and obviously — scoring 40 goals this year — a great goal scorer, so we just think he's an excellent all-around player. From everyone we've spoken to, his former teammates, coaches, everyone thinks extremely highly of him. We think we found ourselves a special young prospect here.'
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Winger from West St. Paul chosen 13th overall by Detroit Red Wings in NHL draft
West St. Paul's Carter Bear began his professional hockey journey Friday night when he was chosen by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2025 National Hockey League entry draft. A six-foot-tall forward who played left wing for the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League, Bear was selected with the 13th overall pick, making him the first Manitoban to be drafted. Bear led the Silvertips with 40 goals and 42 assists last year, despite playing only 56 games when his season was cut short by an Achilles injury. Bear was born in Winnipeg, but his parents are from Peguis First Nation. Shortly after he was chosen, the Southern Chiefs Organization sent its congratulations via social media, describing it as "a historic and proud moment for Carter, his family, and his Nation." The Winnipeg Jets held the 28th overall pick in the draft, where they took Swedish defenceman Sascha Boumedienne, who played much of his junior hockey in the United States, including last season with the Boston University Terriers. The six-foot-two Boumedienne scored three goals and added 10 assists in 40 games last year with the Terriers, advancing all the way to NCAA Frozen Four, where they were beaten 6-2 by Western Michigan in the championship game. The draft's first piece of Manitoba content came earlier in the first round, when lanky centre Roger McQueen was taken 10th overall by the Anaheim Ducks. The six-foot-five McQueen was a bit of a question mark going into the draft, after missing parts of the past two seasons with a back injuries. But when he did play, the Saskatoon-born forward showed a deft scoring touch, racking up 31 goals and 40 assists over 70 games in the two seasons combined.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Red Wings draft Carter Bear with first round pick in 2025 Draft
The Red Wings picked WHL left wing Carter Bear with the No. 13 selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. Bear scored 40 goals for the Everett Silvertips last seasons. Brad Galli has more.
Winnipeg Free Press
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Red Wings pick is Peguis proud
Carter Bear couldn't hear or see the eruption of cheers and happy tears from family and friends back in Manitoba on Friday night — including a large gathering in his home community of Peguis First Nation. However, the 18-year-old could feel the love and support after he was selected 13th-overall by the Detroit Red Wings at the NHL draft in Los Angeles. 'That shows how proud they are. I'm proud of where I'm from — my community and my Indigenous background,' he told the Free Press via Zoom shortly after having his name called. Damian Dovarganes / The Associated Press Carter Bear (left) stands with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman Friday at the NHL Draft in Los Angeles. 'I'm proud of where I'm from — my community and my Indigenous background,' Bear said after being drafted. It takes a village, as the saying goes, and Bear was feeling especially thankful to everyone in his world who helped him get to this stage. He's the first Manitoba hockey player to be drafted in the opening round since Strathclair's Conor Geekie went 11th-overall to the Arizona Coyotes in 2022. 'My Mom and Dad, they've done so much for me,' said Bear, who was overcome with emotion at times. 'I'm out of words. This is just unreal.' The party was in full swing at the Peguis Multiplex, where community members gathered to watch one of their own under the bright lights in Hollywood. 'Everyone here knew about this evening and are super excited for him and proud of his accomplishment,' said Chief Stan Bird. 'Considering everything our community has gone through, and what we're still continuing to experience in terms of addictions and other negative things, I think this is a really positive event for our community. He's someone our young people look up to. It shows what hard work brings. It sets a really good example for our young people.' Bear and his family eventually moved to West St. Paul, playing minor hockey through Seven Oaks and eventually starring with the Winnipeg Thrashers U18AAA team. He wasn't picked until the sixth round, 132nd-overall, in the WHL draft but quickly proved to be a huge success for the Everett Silvertips. Bear had 82 points this year (40G, 42A) in 56 WHL games. Unfortunately, his season came to an early end after he suffered a partially cut Achilles tendon. That likely cost him a few draft slots. He was the highest-rated of 14 Manitoba skaters who made the final cut of NHL Central Scouting rankings. 'Thrilled to have you in our organization. Obviously we love you as a hockey player,' Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman told Bear right after his pick was announced. When asked what drew the organization to Bear, Steve Y didn't hesitate. 'We think he's an extremely intelligent hockey player. Very competitive. high-end skill. A great goal scorer. We just think he's an excellent all-around player,' said Yzerman. 'From everyone we've spoken to — his former teammates, coaches — everyone has thought extremely highly of him.' That's no surprise to those who know Bear best. 'He is easily the most determined and driven player we have ever had the pleasure of learning with. Carter sees obstacles as opportunities and thinks his way through them methodically until they are no longer obstacles,' said Vince Hourie, his former coach with the Winnipeg Hawks. 'We know Carter won't stop working here. Being second-best is not part of his makeup. He is driven and through his journey he has remained humble and grounded.' Bear said he's about 80 per cent recovered from his injury, meaning he likely won't be a participate in Detroit's rookie development camp next week, but he expects to fully healed in time for the WHL season this fall. 'We have watched Carter grow up to become an amazing hockey player and role model for First Nations kids and all Canadian kids across this country,' said Cindy Woodhouse, a close family friend who is also National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. 'His mom and dad, Misty and Conrad Bear, have worked so hard everyday to give their kids a good life, grounded in ceremony, prayers and First Nation way of life. Thank you to Hockey Manitoba for giving Carter his grounding on his journey to the NHL. We wish Carter a good road ahead in his hockey career.' Bear is hoping to have a monster year with Everett, perhaps working his way on to the Canadian World Junior squad. 'I always want it more than other guys on the ice,' is how Bear described his on-ice approach. He wants to work on his skating and two-way game while also adding some muscle to his 6-foot, 179-pound frame. There will be plenty of people rooting for him every step of the way — and also investing in Red Wings jerseys. 'Just to see him take these steps in his life it's absolutely wonderful. It's hockey that has really pulled our community along. Carter is a reflection of what hockey brings to our people,' said Bird. 'I've always been an Oilers fan, but I think the Wings might be my new team now.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. No other Manitobans were selected on Friday, although several will likely hear their name called today as rounds two through seven are held. However, Roger McQueen of the Brandon Wheat Kings was picked 10th-overall by the Anaheim Ducks. Like Bear, he also had an injury-shortened campaign which may have caused him to fall further down the rankings. McQueen, who is from Saskatoon, had 20 points (10G, 10A) in 17 regular-season games with Brandon and scored once in three playoff contests. The 6-5, 197-pound centre projects as a true power forward and believes his back issues have been resolved. X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike. Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
CBS News
8 hours ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Detroit Red Wings select Carter Bear in 2025 NHL draft
The Detroit Red Wings selected Canadian hockey player Carter Bear on Friday in the 2025 NHL draft. Bear, who played three seasons for the Everett Silvertips in the Western Hockey League, was selected 13th overall. He ranked among top leaders in the 2024-2025 season with 40 goals, 42 assists, 82 points and 77 penalty minutes. Standing at 6 feet, Bear also played with the Winnipeg Thrashers in the 2022-2023 season. The NHL draft will continue on Saturday, June 28. The Red Wings have eight remaining picks: one in the second round, two in the third round, one in the fourth round, one in the fifth round, one in the sixth round and two in the seventh round. Earlier this week, the Red Wings released their 2025-2026 preseason schedule, with the first matchup set against the Chicago Blackhawks. Kickoff for the first game at the Little Caesars Arena will be at 7 p.m. on Sept. 23. Ticket sales will be announced at a later date.
