Red Wings Select Carter Bear 13th Overall in Draft

Carter Bear, an 18-year-old forward from Peguis First Nation and West St. Paul, Manitoba, was selected 13th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft. He led the Everett Silvertips in the WHL with 40 goals and 42 assists in 56 games before a lacerated Achilles tendon ended his season, but he is expected to be ready for training camp. Bear is the first Manitoban drafted in the NHL first round since 2022 and the first Silvertips player selected in the first round in a decade. His home community celebrated his achievement, while some Red Wings fans showed skepticism about the pick. Team management, including GM Steve Yzerman, praised Bear's intelligence, competitiveness, scoring ability, and versatility. Bear expressed gratitude for his family's and community's support and said he hopes to inspire Indigenous youth.