With training camp approaching, Carter Bear is trying to do more than just show well for the Detroit Red Wings. He wants to leave camp with a job.
The 2025 first-round pick spent his entire summer in Detroit, using the time to get a head start on what he hopes is his first NHL opportunity. In a recent interview with Marco D’Amico of R.org, Bear said the work was intentional and hands-on.
“Training here in Detroit is a privilege, to be around pro staff,” Bear said. “Trainers and stuff give me a sheet of what they want me to do, and I ask a lot of questions to make sure I’m doing it right. It’s a huge summer for me.”
Rather than disappearing for the offseason, Bear stayed close to the organization and soaked up whatever he could from the people around it. He said he’s had plenty of run-ins with Ben Chiarot around the rink, and even if the veteran likes to needle him, Bear enjoys it.
“Around the rink, Ben Chiarot is around here in the summer,” Bear said. “I see him quite a few times.
He likes to chirp me a lot, but it’s all fun and games. Great guy and cool to learn from.”
Bear also pointed to the influence of Dan Cleary and Niklas Kronwall, who met with the players and shared what being a Red Wing is supposed to mean.
“Dan Cleary and Niklas Kronwall, they had a whole meeting with the players. They talked about what it means to be a Red Wing and talked about their stories and what they went through. It’s pretty cool how they talk about their experience and help get the best out of us.”
The 19-year-old forward is already carrying himself like someone determined to stick. And part of that process, for him, has been building chemistry with other prospects, especially J.P. Hulbert.
Bear said the two spent time together this summer, including a stretch living in the same Airbnb.
“I think it was great for creating bonds for the future,” Bear said. “I was in an Airbnb with J.P.
Hurlbert for a little bit. He’s such a good guy and funny off the ice.”
For Bear, the bigger picture is simple. He wants to win, and he knows where he’s trying to do it.
“I want to win here. I think everyone does,” Bear said.
He didn’t stop there, making it clear he understands the weight that comes with the Winged Wheel.
“It’s a special organization, Original Six team and an unbelievable amount of history here and all the legends and what they had. You want to win here. For me, I need to do anything that’s possible to help this team win in the future.”
Bear has a real shot to push his way into the Red Wings lineup this fall. If camp goes well and openings emerge, Detroit could be looking at one of the more intriguing young players to come through the system in recent seasons.
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