2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Carter Bear

Originally posted on Inside The Rink | By Andrew Walsh | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 11:14 AM ET

Carter Bear is a forward for the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League. Bear is a 6’0” forward who scored 66 goals for the Silvertips in 142 regular-season games played over the past three seasons. Bear’s scoring has increased in each of the three seasons that he has played for the Silvertips. Bear suffered an Achilles laceration during his last year with the Silvertips. Recently, Bear skated for the first time ahead of schedule in preparation for the draft.

Bear suffered the Achilles injury ahead of the start of the WHL playoffs. This injury caused Bear to skip the recent fitness testing at the NHL combine. Before the injury, Bear’s production had dipped. In the last 11 games before the injury, Bear had six points and a minus-6 rating.

Despite this, Carter Bear is still a top prospect in this year’s draft class. Bear is projected to be drafted in the early to mid-point in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft.

Ranked #24 by Inside The Rink
Ranked # 10 by NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings
Ranked #14 by Daily Faceoff
Ranked #7 by Recruit Scouting
Ranked #9 by Sportsnet
Ranked #15 by TSN/Bob McKenzie

Scouting Report:

Bear is a small player who relies on his instincts to get ahead on the ice. Despite this, Bear can get to the middle of the ice to create chances. Beyond this, Bear has good speed and edges. While his skating is not elite, he plays a fast game. Bear plays a 200-foot game.

Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff noted Bear’s ability to engage physically despite his small size. Bear had 60 goals in 115 games that season. Ahead of the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, NHL Central Scouting elevated Bear from a ‘B’ rating to an ‘A’ rating on its Preliminary Players to Watch List for the 2025 NHL Draft.

Projection:

First Round – Pittsburgh #11

This article first appeared on Inside The Rink and was syndicated with permission.

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