Carter Bear
2024-25 Team: Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Date of Birth: Nov. 4, 2006
Place of Birth: Winnipeg, MB, CAN
Height: 6-foot-0, Weight: 176 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Center/Left Wing
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 first-year eligible
Rankings
Carter Bear, whose draft year came to an unfortunate and abrupt end following an Achilles laceration on March 7, is still one of the top prospects in the 2025 class. Though the injury may hurt his stock a bit, what he showcased during his 2024-25 campaign should make him an enticing pickup for some NHL clubs. What’s so impressive about his game?
Related: THW’s 2025 NHL Draft Guide
For starters, let’s look at production. He finished his season with 40 goals and 42 assists for 82 points in 56 games, and a plus-33 rating to boot. It’s worth noting that Bear was on somewhat of a cold streak before his injury, scoring six points and putting up a minus-6 rating in his final 11 contests.
Though he was scoring at a 1.69 point-per-game clip prior to that stretch, the 1.46 points per game he finished with is still a very strong result for a draft-eligible WHL forward. Looking at the 2024 draft class, that’s better than Cayden Lindstrom (1.44) and Tij Iginla (1.31), who were both top-six picks. So, Bear’s scoring pace was quite good.
Getting to his game, Bear is more than comfortable engaging physically. He creates a decent chunk of his offense through initiating contact, which keeps offensive zone possessions alive. Though he played more on the wing for the Silvertips, he showed center-like qualities in this way. Even when outnumbered, Bear can win puck battles. He does this through skill and anticipation rather than sheer size (which he somewhat lacks).
Bear’s instincts stand out. He times his puck battle initiations well and often locates the right places on the ice to become a scoring threat. Creating space is one of Bear’s main calling cards—his instincts, as well as terrific vision, make that happen. He has a nasty side to his game, and it takes a certain kind of player who’s constantly willing to sacrifice their body, but it’s more so the brains that allow him to be so effective.
Shifting gears, Bear likes to be involved defensively. This is an area where his instincts shine, too. He closes scoring lanes before they open and leans on his teammates when necessary. If he sees a path to getting the puck out of the zone, he’s not afraid to get aggressive and pressure the puck carrier. Bear got some good experience on Everett’s penalty kill, and he had some success there.
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So, with Bear, you’re getting a decent package. He’s got a nice blend of skill, hockey IQ, and aggressiveness in his game. It’s a little bit of everything that makes him such an exciting prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft.
Other THW Draft Profiles
Carter Bear – NHL Draft Projection
Before this season began, Bear wasn’t seen as a first-round pick. By the time it was clear what he was capable of, a top-10 projection was far from unrealistic. But now, after he cooled off a bit and then suffered a crushing injury, it’s really up in the air. Despite the uncertainty for where he might land, expect him to be taken around the teens.
Quotables
“He smothers opponents to close gaps and gain the inside edge in puck battles on the boards or down low. He never quits or gives up on plays and he’s always coming out with the puck and driving hard to the middle. He has good speed, but his edges and pivots need work and his shot selection can be questionable.” – Peter Baracchini, The Hockey Writers
“He makes a lot of plays through defenders and to his teammates. Bear’s skill stands out, but the way he creates offense should likely translate to higher levels. He gets to the net to generate chances, plays fast and is a good enough skater.” – Corey Pronman, The Athletic (from ‘NHL Draft 2025 top prospects: Matthew Schaefer leads Corey Pronman’s midseason ranking,’ The Athletic – January 2025)
“His awareness of where he needs to be every time he’s on the ice, combined with his playmaking skills, slippery skating and speed off the rush makes him incredibly valuable. He’s also really good at irritating the stew out of his opponents and forcing turnovers.” – Hannah Stuart, Bleacher Report
Strengths
- Puck battles at both ends of the ice
- Instincts and positioning
- Vision, especially on the rush
- Two-way play
- Grit
Under Construction – Improvements to Make
- Will eventually need to put on more muscle
- Hasn’t shown outlier skating or shooting ability
NHL Potential
Bear has the upside of being a notorious top-six player. Notorious, meaning well-known for being a nuisance to play against. He’ll need to do some work to get there, but he totally has the potential to make it happen. His high-end production alone is evidence that he could have a promising future in the NHL.
Risk-Reward Analysis
Risk – 2.5/5, Reward – 4.5/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offense – 8/10, Defense – 7/10
Awards/Achievements
- 2019-20 WAAA U152 Most Goals (39)
- 2022-23 MU18HL First All-Star Team
- 2022-23 Winnipeg AAA U18 Most Valuable Player
- 2022-23 Winnipeg AAA U18 Top Forward
Interviews/Links
Carter Bear Stats
Videos
Carter Bear is still on the hunt 🐻
That’s 32 on the season for the 2025 #NHLDraft prospect.@WHLsilvertips pic.twitter.com/5X7I29oIrC
— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) January 26, 2025