Detroit Red Wings 13th overall pick forced to turn down Team Canada World Juniors invite

At the last NHL Draft, Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings decided to select Carter Bear with the 13th overall pick.

Bear, 18, was among the most interesting available prospects in the first round, although an injury forced him to remain on the sidelines for the end of last season.

Indeed, in March, the 6-foot forward tore his Achilles and had to step away from the game before the playoffs.

Now, in a new development, we learned that the player will need to skip an official Team Canada event due to that injury.

Team Canada released the official roster ahead of the WJC Showcase, which started a few days ago in Minneapolis, and some people were surprised to learn that Bear wasn't invited.

But according to a new report, Bear was forced to turn down the invitation due to his injury.

Although 18-year-olds don't often get to participate in the WJC to make room for the 19- or 20-year-olds, Bear would actually have had a shot at making the roster if he wasn't injured.

Among the other players who couldn't attend the event but were invited are Caleb Desnoyers, Tij Iginla, Beckett Sennecke, Jett Luchanko, Roger McQueen, and more.

Per Scott Wheeler:

Despite being limited to 56 games last year due to his injury, Bear still managed to tally 82 points, including 40 goals. His skills are undeniable, and if he hadn't been injured, he likely would've made Team Canada's roster.

With reports confirming he'll be ready to come back in time for NHL training camp, Bear could still get an invite to the WJC in December, especially if there's an injury.

Updates and details will follow.