The Detroit Red Wings have signed their top draft pick.
The Red Wings and first-round draft pick Carter Bear have agreed on a three-year, entry-level contract, as announced on the team’s X account:
Detroit made Bear the No. 13 overall pick at the 2025 NHL Draft, held on June 27. The 18-year-old forward led the Western Hockey League’s Everett Silvertips with 82 points in the 2024-25 season despite partially tearing his Achilles tendon on March 9.
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The Red Wings drafted Bear despite his injury, with general manager Steve Yzerman saying: “We checked it out. Our doctors feel it will heal 100%. It wasn’t a concern for us at all.”
Bear was named to the WHL’s Western Conference Second All-Star Team in 2025, his third season with the Silvertips.
Entry-level contracts last for three years for NHL draftees who are 18-19 years old. The contract allows for Bear to continue playing in lower leagues without starting the clock on his contract, with nine NHL games allowed before he has to remain with the Wings. He is likely to remain with the Silvertips for another season.
You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Red Wings sign top pick Carter Bear to entry-level contract