Detroit Red Wings fans, get ready to know the name Carter Bear—because this prospect is heating up at just the right time. The 2025 first-round pick (13th overall) continues to shine for the WHL's Everett Silvertips in their best-of-seven championship series against the Prince Albert Raiders.

In a thrilling Game 3, Bear dished out two critical assists to help the Silvertips secure a 3-2 victory and take a 2-1 series lead. With three goals already in the series, Bear has now racked up an impressive 21 points in 16 postseason games—a stat line that screams “clutch performer.”

His first helper came on teammate Matias Vanhanen's first-period tally, but it was his second assist that really turned heads: a setup for Julius Miettinen's game-winner in the third period. Bear was a force all night, finishing with a +2 rating, four shots on goal, and drawing four penalties. He even rang a shot off the post, adding to the drama.

This is exactly the kind of performance that Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman envisioned when he selected Bear in the 2025 NHL Draft. “We’re getting a very intelligent hockey player, extremely competitive,” Yzerman said at the time. “At the junior level, he really can score, and we think all of his game translates to the NHL. Our fan base will really take to him when he’s playing for the Red Wings because he competes hard. He’s a really good person. We’re very excited about this pick.”

Yzerman also noted that despite trade talks with several teams, the plan was always to stay put at No. 13 and bring Bear into the organization. With Nate Danielson and Sebastian Cossa already in the pipeline, Bear adds another dynamic piece to Detroit's bright future.

As the WHL Championship series continues, all eyes will be on Bear to see if he can keep delivering for the Silvertips—and give Red Wings fans even more reason to dream big.