Carter Bear
2025 NHL Draft Eligible
Position: LW, Shoots: L
H/W: 6-foot-0, 176 pounds
Date of Birth: 2007-11-04
Stats to Date: 44GP - 36G - 39A - 75PTS
Carter Bear enters the midseason rankings as a strong mid-first-round prospect, and for good reason. The left winger from Winnipeg has been outstanding in his draft year, leading the Everett Silvertips in scoring while ranking second among WHL DY players with 36 goals and 39 assists in just 44 games.
Bear’s offensive skill set is well-rounded, featuring a versatile shot that allows him to score from different areas and creative passing abilities that complement his high-pace style. He dictates the flow of play off the puck with his aggressive forechecking, relentless puck retrievals, and physical game. He’s the type of player who will make life difficult for opponents every shift, whether by pressuring defensemen, battling along the boards, throwing knee-crushing open-ice hits, or creating quick-strike offensive chances.
How does he become great? Bear’s two main shortcomings come from his lack of explosive speed and his strength/size. At 6-foot-0 and 176 pounds, he will need to add muscle to improve his balance, strength, and effectiveness in board battles and in front of the net.
While he may not be a primary play driver, Bear is the ideal complementary forward—one who wins puck battles, makes quick reads, and capitalizes on scoring chances. His ability to play in all situations and feed his teammates makes him an attractive option for NHL teams looking to add a high-energy, versatile forward. In a draft class with a pretty mediocre mid-first-round, Bear presents strong value in the 15-25 range.
For teams envisioning playoff success, Bear is the type of player who becomes even more valuable in a postseason setting. Similar to Zach Hyman, he is the kind of winger who will get into the corners, retrieve pucks, and create opportunities for his team’s top playmakers.
With Bear’s ability to contribute in all situations and his elite motor, he has a safe floor as a middle-six forward. If Carter continues to refine his skating, learn patience with the puck, and add strength to his frame, he has the potential to develop into a high-energy, top six winger with legitimate scoring upside.
Skating
Carter Bear has a solid skating foundation with quick first steps that allow him to get to loose pucks and close gaps defensively. He’s a smooth skater, and his swift feet are an asset when it comes to applying pressure on puck carriers and disrupting breakouts, as he’s often the first on the scene. Bear also uses his pace effectively on the forecheck, often initiating pressure and creating opportunities for his team with unwavering stamina.
Bear’s current skating grade is probably closer to a 50, but I’ve graded it as a 55 based on the expectation that he will improve with added lower-body strength. In the present, his lack of explosiveness is a major limitation, and his top speed could be improved. As mentioned given his size, there is room for Bear to add weight, which would help generate more power and boost his speed. Bear’s posture is a bit hunched over when skating, potentially impacting his pace. While his quick first steps help his acceleration, he lacks that “pop” of explosiveness. Improving his lower-body strength, as well as his posture, would boost his effectiveness in transition, allowing him to gain more separation. Bear’s number one priority should be improving his explosiveness, as it is integral to him compensating for his smaller stature and putting his motor to better use in a retrieval role. I expect that we will see a major advancement from him in this category over the next 2 years.
With the puck, Bear isn’t a primary play driver. He plays more of a supporting role, adjusting his pace and positioning to get open for passes or chase down pucks off dump-ins. He isn’t a player who will skate through the defense on his own frequently, but his pace and ability to quickly read the play still make him an effective contributor in transition.
In this clip, Bear receives the puck with lots of room to skate into but chooses to attempt a very difficult pass. Even if he completes the pass, his teammate will likely be rubbed out into the boards as he’s not close enough to support. This is a case where if Bear had a bit more speed, he’d be confident in carrying this puck up and attacking 2v2. This also gives us a look at his tendency to rush plays.
While this penalty kill clip is an off puck play, you can see Bear struggles with explosiveness and overall just lacks a certain level of “pop” that would allow him to blow by defenders and create separation for more skill moves while on offense.
In this clip, Bear has an opportunity to speed by the defenseman and get a clean breakaway. If he had better explosiveness, he wouldn’t have gotten knocked off the puck here.
Grade: 55
Shot
Carter Bear’s shot has certainly turned heads in the WHL this season, with an impressive 0.80 goals per game. His wrist shot and one-timer stand out for both their accuracy and power, enabling him to beat goaltenders from a variety of positions on the ice. What’s particularly notable is his shooting versatility. Bear is capable of delivering hard, precise shots in stride, off imperfect passes, from mid-air, and while stationary, showcasing a well-rounded shooting package.
Bear’s shot selection does need a bit of work, as he tends to fire the puck on net once he starts to get pressured. This problem has not shown many signs of progression through the draft year, as he still tends to rush his decision-making and opts to shoot too frequently from poor positions. That being said, this problem is very common among junior players who possess an above-average shot and usually isn’t a cause for concern long term.
At the NHL level, I expect Bear to be a solid shooting threat given his versatility and mechanics as a shooter.
In this video, Carter displays his excellent shot, ripping an accurate shot upstairs while in stride. This skill makes him a threat off the rush, forcing defenders to respect his shot at all times.
Bear pulls off a well-elevated shot in tight to almost beat the goaltender. Very good finishing move that he executed well, but just off the mark.
This clip displays the power on Bear’s shot. He packs a punch on his snappy release.
A splendid sequence here from Bear, who executes several dekes at top speed before firing a shot that almost beats the Moose Jaw goaltender.
Bear finds a hole through traffic on this accurate release from the point. He picks five-hole seeing the goaltender isn’t ready and puts Everett up 3-0.
Grade: 55
Skills
Carter Bear’s hands make him a dangerous player in one-on-one situations. He’s solid at shifting defenders’ weight with quick, deceptive dekes before squeaking by into open lanes.
However, Bear’s biggest limitation in fully utilizing his skill set is his lack of explosiveness. Too often, he has opportunities to use his hands to create better scoring chances but instead rushes a pass or shot, knowing he lacks the extra step to execute a move and put distance on the defender.
Bear can improve on his puck protection tactics and add some weight to hang onto the puck better. Given his ability to beat defenders one-on-one, he could benefit from extending possession more often and taking on a more assertive role in offensive-zone play. Bear tends to lose control occasionally even when unpressured. Not a big issue, and as his role as a primary puck carrier in the WHL expands, this aspect of his game should naturally improve.
That being said, Bear’s passing skills are a clear strength. He delivers crisp, well-timed passes with good accuracy, consistently putting teammates in optimal positions. What stands out most is his ability to move the puck instantly, often making a pass immediately upon receiving it. This skill stems from his pre-scanning and excellent instincts, allowing him to process the game quickly and keep plays moving at a high pace.
Bear has the skills necessary to claim a larger role in a team’s offense. However, if he puts it all together depends on if he can find the right balance between quick puck movement and patience. Not to say he won’t be an effective top six forward in a forecheck and retrieve role.
Bear shows off his amazing hands in-tight with a nifty move to beat Ratzlaff with an elevated finish. He unfortunately is just off the mark, but this is a great example of Bear’s ability to freeze goalies with a quick deke.
Bear exits the zone with a nice deke despite moving at a slow pace. It’s important to notice that this clip is at the end of a shift in the defensive zone, so Bear is a bit gassed.
Bear perfectly times a saucer pass that lands in a good location where his teammate can make a play. Although this play does not work out, it displays Bear’s refined pass release.
In this clip, Bear beats the first opponent with a nifty deke before opening up his body to fake left and throw the 2nd defender off before slipping by along the boards. A good example of him being a “winner” in 1-on-1 rush offense.
Grade: 50
Smarts
Junior players with relentless motors like Carter Bear often struggle with defensive poise, often chasing the puck and pulling themselves out of position. However, Bear is an exception. On top of his high-energy style, he plays with discipline and awareness, staying composed in his defensive reads. He prioritizes shutting down dangerous passing lanes through the middle of the ice. He shuts down passing lanes by making himself big on the forecheck, preventing clean zone exits and offensive resets. His ability to apply pressure without compromising structure is a testament to his strong hockey IQ and defensive responsibility.
Offensively, Bear’s intelligence is evident in his ability to process plays quickly and keep the puck moving. His game thrives on pace; he rarely holds onto the puck for long, preferring quick touches that keep the play in motion. This decisiveness allows him to contribute effectively in transition and maintain offensive pressure. While his quick decisions are often effective (leading to strong passes or well-placed shots), they also leave the impression that there’s more offensive potential waiting to be unlocked. There are moments where he forces a pass/shot instead of recognizing a better option, limiting his ability to fully maximize scoring chances.
That said, Bear is far from a simple player. He has a creative edge to his game and isn’t afraid to attempt high-skill, high-risk plays. While not all of them connect, his willingness to try these plays suggests a developing offensive ceiling. For a player projected as a top six complementary forward, this trait is encouraging, as it indicates the potential for greater offensive impact beyond just his forechecking, shooting, and retrieval skills.
His passing game aligns with the rest of his style: fast. In transition, he often makes quick return passes, moves the puck immediately, or dumps it in to establish a forecheck. While this approach plays to his strengths, learning to slow the game down in certain situations could elevate his offensive contributions. If he develops more patience with the puck, he has the skill set to manipulate defenders, create more open space, and make higher-percentage plays. While he may never be a primary play driver, adding more composure in possession could give him an additional layer of versatility and make him an even greater offensive threat.
Nothing too fancy here. Bear plays his position well, and it results in an Everett possession. First Bear pushes the puck carrier to the wall. He then seals him there by taking away both passing options to the point, forcing the opponent to dump it in. Just simple defense, but it shows Bear’s poise and positional discipline.
We can see here that Bear has some creative flair, leaving a pass for his teammate behind with a between-the-legs fake before drawing the defenders in and kicking it back with a spinning pass.
Another instance of Carter Bear saving a bobbled puck with a creative solution, almost connecting on a spinning pass to the netfront.
Here, Carter Bear reads the passer’s eyes very well and breaks up a potential HDSC. Bear’s anticipation here is also something he uses in his cycle and forechecking game to get to pucks first.
After losing control of the puck, Bear recovers nicely by knocking a backhand pass to his teammate and attacking open ice. After receiving the pass, he passes to his teammate net front for the tap-in. Unfortunately, his teammate was tied up, but the goalie was aggressive in taking away the shot, so Bear’s decision can be justified.
This is a great example of Bear creating space for his teammate to get open for a shot as he cuts laterally to drag the defenders over. This sequence is something I would love to see from Bear more often.
Here, Bear makes a very nice play, altering his speed to find a lane for a pass. The execution is perfect, leading to a high-danger scoring chance. However, you can also see him lock into a pass the moment he crosses the blue line. To add another layer of deception to his game, he could benefit from selling the shot, forcing goalies to hesitate.
Grade: 55
Physicality/Compete
Carter Bear’s compete level is the heart of his game. No matter the score, whether his team is up five or down five, his intensity never dips. He relentlessly battles for every inch of ice, regularly engaging physically and making life miserable for the opposition’s top players. Bear doesn’t just play hard; he plays with purpose, using his physicality to wear down opponents and dictate the pace.
A prime example came on December 6th, when Bear faced off against former Kelowna Rockets’ star Andrew Cristall. In that matchup, he showcased his ability to disrupt elite talent by getting under Cristall’s skin with relentless physicality. His constant pressure not only knocked Cristall off his offensive game but also drew a penalty due to Cristall’s frustration, highlighting Bear’s ability to impact the game beyond just the scoresheet.
One of the most unique aspects of Bear’s game is his willingness to occasionally layout for pucks. Unlike most players, he isn’t afraid to launch himself horizontally through the air to block shots, break up passes, or even get a last-second shot attempt off a loose puck. It’s a level of desperation you don't see too often from hockey players (almost akin to that of football or ultimate frisbee athletes). This fearlessness sets him apart and further cements his reputation as one of the hardest-working players on the ice.
In the defensive zone, Bear isn’t quite the same player in terms of compete, but as a winger (mostly) who pushes as hard as he can in both other zones, it’s understandable that he doesn’t quite have the same level of energy. He still plays good positional defense, and his compete is still above average when it comes to contested pucks.
Bear delivers heavy hits whenever the opportunity arises. Whether tracking back to level an opposing puck carrier or punishing a defenseman for hesitating on a breakout, his physical presence is a constant factor. At times, he may even rely on his hitting a bit too much, but his ability to disrupt plays with his physicality is undeniably effective. Another thing to watch with Carter Bear is the crazy amount of knee-on-knee hits that occur/almost occur when he’s trying to make an open-ice hit. It seems like he’s going to blow up an opponent’s knee in almost every game I see.
Bear’s size is a limiting factor for his physical game. While his willingness to battle in tough areas and throw big hits are key parts of his playstyle, his frame prevents him from being a true physical force. As he progresses, adding more muscle will be crucial in helping him hold his own against stronger opponents. More weight will also help him to hold his balance in front of the net. I think there’s a real opportunity for Carter to succeed in a bumper role on an NHL power play, as he possesses great hand-eye coordination, a nice shot, and retrieval skills to boot.
This clip highlights Bear’s strong puck retrieval and offensive instincts. He recovers the puck, makes a smart pass to his teammate, and then finds open ice behind the defense for the return feed. By drawing defenders away from the net, he creates space before spinning and firing a shot. Plays like this will be a staple of his game at the NHL level, where his relentless compete and skill will make him a valuable top six forward.
In this short clip, you can see Carter Bear diving to bat his own rebound into the back of the net. It is one of many times he leaves the ice to make a play. You don’t see many NHLers willing to dive parallel to the ice. Oftentimes it catches defenders off guard, leading to more recoveries for Bear and the Silvertips. Also displayed in this clip is Bear’s outstanding hand-eye coordination. He can often turn seemingly broken plays where the puck is almost uncontrollable into scoring opportunities.
Carter Bear takes off like a homing missile, traveling a long distance for a hit on fellow draft-eligible prospect Braeden Cootes. He ends up selling out for the hit, and Cootes taps in an easy rebound. However, I’m not pinning the blame of this play entirely on Bear, and he did force Cootes to make a pressured pass. If nothing more, this clip serves as a testament to Carter Bear’s love for the physical side of the game.
In this clip, Bear goes for another hit, once again throwing his body into the opponent but ending up on the ice afterward. This is a common issue for him. He often becomes so focused on delivering a powerful hit that he disregards his balance. As a result, he frequently falls, leaving himself out of the play. This time it didn’t result in a goal, but in the previous clip he wasn’t so fortunate.
In this clip, Bear pesters the breakout attempt (offscreen due to some unfortunate camera work) before chasing down Reschny and recovering the puck to support his defenseman. This clip is the perfect illustration of how Bear’s compete compensates for his lack of pop while skating, as he simply refuses to not be involved.
Grade: 60
OFP: 54.75
A note on the 20-80 scale used above. We look at five attributes (skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ and physicality) for skaters and six for goalies (athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling). Each individual attribute is graded along the 20-80 scales, which includes half-grades. The idea is that a projection of 50 in a given attribute meant that our observer believed that the player could get to roughly NHL average at that attribute at maturity.