Detroit Red Wings newest signing gathers the attention of the NHL

The NHL Public Relations account on "X" has given the spotlight to the 13th overall pick by the Detroit Red Wings.

Carter Bear was the focus today, as he signed his ELC this week with the Red Wings, making him ineligible to return to the WHL or the NCAA (if he had committed to a team).

Instead, he'll be joining the Red Wings organization, but in what capacity, whether AHL or NHL, we don't quite know yet. We have to assume that with Yzerman speaking of not blocking movement upwards, he'll join the depth in the AHL.

Bear ranked 1st on his team in goals with 40, 4th in assists with 42, and 1st on the Silvertips with points, 82 in total.

He signed his ELC this week, a three-year, entry-level contract that secures his next three seasons in Detroit.

Bear's cap hit with the Red Wings will be an AAV of $975K over, totaling $2,925,000. We're unsure whether or not he'll touch NHL ice at the beginning of his career, but nevertheless, he joins a deep prospect pool and could be in competition for a spot in the regular lineup if he puts his best foot forward.

Bear has been productive in the WHL his entire junior career, earning a Western Conference Second-All-Star team nod in 2023-24, scoring 57 points (25-32).

He's scored a total of 141 points (66-75) in 142 WHL games in three seasons with the Everett Silvertips.