The Detroit Red Wings had quite a few reasons to draft Carter Bear, but his relentless nature was at the top of the list.

LOS ANGELES -- Not long after the Detroit Red Wings selected him with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Carter Bear revealed he was still processing all the emotions of his life-changing Friday night at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theater.

Carter Bear’s season ended when he was cut by a skate blade on March 9, suffering a partially torn Achilles tendon that required surgery. It was a serious injury but did not deter the Detroit Red Wings from selecting the left wing from WHL Everett 13th overall Friday at the NHL draft. And they’re confident it won’t affect his career moving forward.