Carter Bear (RW, L, 6’0″, 180, Everett Silvertips, 11/04/2006)
Carter Bear is a highly competitive and skilled forward who blends offensive creativity with a hard-nosed two-way game. He is a versatile player capable of contributing in various roles and game situations, excelling as both a playmaker, in-the-paint shooter and a net-front scorer. Bear’s high hockey IQ and work ethic are evident in his ability to create offense in tight spaces and his consistent contributions defensively. While his skating, power and explosiveness are still developing, his offensive instincts and adaptability make him a strong candidate for a first round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Strengths:
Offensive Instincts and Scoring Ability:
Bear consistently generates high-danger scoring opportunities, averaging 3.4 grade “A” chances and 1.84 inner-slot shots per game.
His soft hands and quick release make him a threat near the net, particularly on the power play, where he has been asked to position himself as a net-front presence.
He has shown the athleticism to cleanly adjust to poor passes while still being able to finish in tight spaces, contributing to his goal-scoring success.
Playmaking and Vision:
Bear completes 86% of his passes and averages 1.3 passes leading directly to inner slot shots per game.
He pre-reads and scans the ice while on the way to loose pucks or receiving a pass allowing him to identify and execute precise, high-quality plays, making him a dual threat as both a shooter and playmaker.
Compete Level and Physicality:
Bear is highly engaged in physical play, averaging 1.61 hard hits per game while willingly absorbing contact (1 hit received per game) to make plays.
He wins 55% of his 50/50 puck battles, showcasing his competitiveness and willingness to battle.
Defensive Awareness and Special Teams Contributions:
Bear is effective on the penalty kill, averaging 2:00 per game, where he uses his hockey sense to disrupt planned passing plays, block shots and win puck battles.
His ability to recover loose pucks (2.5 per game) highlights his strong puck anticipation, game processing and positional awareness.
Puck Skills and Creativity:
Bear’s puck control is high-end, with the ability to settle poor bouncing passes and maintain control under pressure.
His creativity around the net allows him to generate offense even when defenders are leaning on him and there appears to be no direct route to the net.
Areas for Improvement:
Skating Mechanics and Explosiveness:
While Bear shows a quick first step, his straight-line speed and ability to accelerate out of hard stops and tight turns are still developing.
Continued work on his skating base and lower body strength will improve his mobility and overall effectiveness in transition.
Physical Strength and Net-Front Presence:
At 180 lbs, Bear can be pushed around in net-front battles. Adding strength, particularly in his core and lower body, will help him hold his ground and become more effective at the National League level.
Shot Selection and Blocking:
Bear has 1.09 of his shot attempts blocked per game, indicating a need to improve his ability to find shooting lanes and add deception to his game.
Quickening his release and adding unpredictability to create better opportunities will help maximize his scoring potential.
Turnovers:
Bear averages 5.2 giveaways per game. Improved decision-making with the puck in the grey areas will reduce turnovers and enhance his overall two-way game.
Faceoff Skills (if Transitioning to Center):
If Bear is to play a key two-way role in the NHL, improving his faceoff ability (currently 38% win rate) will be critical for his versatility and dependability at the next level.
2024/25 WHL Season:
Logging significant ice time (18:08 per game) and contributing on both the power play (3:13) and penalty kill (2:00).
Averaging 4 shots on goal and 3.4 grade “A” scoring chances per game.
Projection
Carter Bear projects as a versatile, two-way forward with the potential to play in a team’s top-six or middle-six at the NHL level. His offensive instincts, work ethic, and adaptability make him an attractive prospect for teams looking to add a competitive, detail-oriented player. With continued development in skating base, overall strength, and decision-making, Bear could become a dependable contributor in all situations.
Draft Outlook: Mid to late first-round to early second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Player Comparison: Travis Konecny — a hard-working winger who combines physical play with offensive skill and versatility.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images