C/W Carter Bear - Everett Silvertips, WHL (2025 Draft)

[LuckyBoeser]

Is Carter Bear expected to be a center or a winger at the NHL level?

 

[majormajor]

A top 10 pick? I’m comfortable with him in the 15-25 range but I think there are better options earlier than that.

Pre injury something around 10 would have made sense.

I don't have the full scoop but I think post injury he probably goes 15-25.

 

[rocketdan9]

Pre injury something around 10 would have made sense.

I don't have the full scoop but I think post injury he probably goes 15-25.

I can see MTL or PHI take the risk and draft him with one of their extra 1sts.

Not sure even if his medicals clear by draft night - as I read his recovery could take 9 to 12 months.

 

[Garbageyuk]

Any player who scores 40 goals in any league has high skill...for that league. But does Bear have enough NHL skill to compensate for mediocre skating and average height? I’m not sure he does and coming off a severe leg injury doesn’t give me any further comfort.

He’s taller than Nick Suzuki, with identical numbers and better skating at the same age. Make of that what you will.

 

[tomd]

He’s taller than Nick Suzuki, with identical numbers and better skating at the same age. Make of that what you will.

Different players; different styles. I'm not sure that Bear's style will work in the NHL with his size and skating. All I'm saying is that IMO he isn't top 10 worthy. 15 or 20? Go for it.

 

[Garbageyuk]

Different players; different styles. I'm not sure that Bear's style will work in the NHL with his size and skating. All I'm saying is that IMO he isn't top 10 worthy. 15 or 20? Go for it.

That isn’t all you’re saying though. You’re questioning whether his game will translate, insinuating that he’s likely to bust.

I mean you can question whether any prospects game will translate because we never truly know, but when you make a point of saying it about a specific player, it’s suggestive of one thing in particular.

He’s on par with, or better than Suzuki was as a prospect, particularly in the areas you seem to be concerned about; that’s what I’m saying.

Different players, yes, but I’d argue that Bear’s specific skillset and the way he plays the game makes him a safer pick than Suzuki was - Bear’s floor is a bottom-six player, imo. You couldn’t say that about Suzuki; he was basically top-six or bust.

Also, the thing that makes Bear so effective is that he competes with tenacity and smarts, combined with high intensity, grit, and work ethic. Those things are among the most likely attributes to translate.

You’re making it seem like he simply plays a crash and bang style that he won’t get away with at the NHL level a la Gilbert Brule, which is not the case.

The way he approaches the game is more like Crosby (not comparing their talent levels), rather than a Brule.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

His skating is fine to good. Projects to be NHL avg imo (which nowadays is solid). Far from mediocre.

 

[tomd]

That isn’t all you’re saying though. You’re questioning whether his game will translate, insinuating that he’s likely to bust.

I mean you can question whether any prospects game will translate because we never truly know, but when you make a point of saying it about a specific player, it’s suggestive of one thing in particular.

He’s on par with, or better than Suzuki was as a prospect, particularly in the areas you seem to be concerned about; that’s what I’m saying.

Different players, yes, but I’d argue that Bear’s specific skillset and the way he plays the game makes him a safer pick than Suzuki was - Bear’s floor is a bottom-six player, imo. You couldn’t say that about Suzuki; he was basically top-six or bust.

Sorry if I gave you that impression. If you'd take him top 10 more power to you. I wouldn't. We'll see what happens in 7 weeks.

 

[arider1990]

My only concern with Bear is how his injury affects his skating. Getting your Achilles cut like that is rough

 

[Garbageyuk]

Sorry if I gave you that impression. If you'd take him top 10 more power to you. I wouldn't. We'll see what happens in 7 weeks.

Never said whether I’d take him top 10 or not, but you originally said you wouldn’t take him 10-15, which is a different thing. I was skeptical of his injury at first as well, but after some deliberation, I’m not as concerned. It’s not a knee or back injury, which would be much more concerning. Achilles injuries usually heal 100%, as long as they’re handled properly.

 

[tomd]

Never said whether I’d take him top 10 or not, but you originally said you wouldn’t take him 10-15, which is a different thing. I was skeptical of his injury at first as well, but after some deliberation, I’m not as concerned. It’s not a knee or back injury, which would be much more concerning. Achilles injuries usually heal 100%, as long as they’re handled properly.

I personally wouldn't take him in the top 15. I think we can agree to disagree if you would.

 

[Garbageyuk]

I personally wouldn't take him in the top 15. I think we can agree to disagree if you would.

We can on where he should be picked, but your description of him was not accurate at all - it honestly reads like it’s from someone who’s not really familiar with him.

 

[Erika]

That isn’t all you’re saying though. You’re questioning whether his game will translate, insinuating that he’s likely to bust.

I mean you can question whether any prospects game will translate because we never truly know, but when you make a point of saying it about a specific player, it’s suggestive of one thing in particular.

He’s on par with, or better than Suzuki was as a prospect, particularly in the areas you seem to be concerned about; that’s what I’m saying.

Different players, yes, but I’d argue that Bear’s specific skillset and the way he plays the game makes him a safer pick than Suzuki was - Bear’s floor is a bottom-six player, imo. You couldn’t say that about Suzuki; he was basically top-six or bust.

Also, the thing that makes Bear so effective is that he competes with tenacity and smarts, combined with high intensity, grit, and work ethic. Those things are among the most likely attributes to translate.

You’re making it seem like he simply plays a crash and bang style that he won’t get away with at the NHL level a la Gilbert Brule, which is not the case.

The way he approaches the game is more like Crosby (not comparing their talent levels), rather than a Brule.

Carter Bear can't touch Nick Suzuki hockey IQ. They are miles away. Suzuki average skating doesn't matter much because his game relies on optimal positioning and hockey IQ. Bear isn't known for that. They are entirely different players, I don't know why you even compare them.

 

[LemonSauceD]

Carter Bear can't touch Nick Suzuki hockey IQ. They are miles away. Suzuki average skating doesn't matter much because his game relies on optimal positioning and hockey IQ. Bear isn't known for that. They are entirely different players, I don't know why you even compare them.

He's more of a Jake Neighbours type.

 

[Garbageyuk]

Carter Bear can't touch Nick Suzuki hockey IQ. They are miles away. Suzuki average skating doesn't matter much because his game relies on optimal positioning and hockey IQ. Bear isn't known for that. They are entirely different players, I don't know why you even compare them.

The only reason you think that is because you’re a biased Habs fan who likely hasn’t watched this kid. Bear is absolutely known for his high hockey IQ, vision, and ability to create time and space for his teammates.

And yes, they are different type of players; Bear is also known for his pace and intensity, grit, and tenacity. He’s also more engaged defensively than Suzuki was at the same age, and is much more willing to initiate and/or play through contact to make plays or win puck battles. The kid is a beast down low and along the boards, mostly due to his ability to use his smarts/leverage/stick work, rather than just being a wrecking ball.

Also, you don’t know why I compared them because you didn’t read the context of the conversation; you just read one post and hurried to make a knee jerk (and largely incorrect/ignorant) response. Read up.

 

[gothegr8]

The only reason you think that is because you’re a biased Habs fan who likely hasn’t watched this kid.

I think the real reason is you don't truly understand how high Suzuki's IQ is. Bear is very smart too, everything you said about Bear is true, but it's not even close tbh.

 

[Erika]

The only reason you think that is because you’re a biased Habs fan who likely hasn’t watched this kid. Bear is absolutely known for his high hockey IQ, vision, and ability to create time and space for his teammates.

And yes, they are different type of players; Bear is also known for his pace and intensity, grit, and tenacity. He’s also more engaged defensively than Suzuki was at the same age, and is much more willing to initiate and/or play through contact to make plays or win puck battles. The kid is a beast down low and along the boards, mostly due to his ability to use his smarts/leverage/stick work, rather than just being a wrecking ball.

Also, you don’t know why I compared them because you didn’t read the context of the conversation; you just read one post and hurried to make a knee jerk (and largely incorrect/ignorant) response. Read up.

If Bear is as good as Suzuki, he goes easilly top 5 in this draft no doubt. Your take is horrible.
If a guy like Hagens is listed top 5, then Suzuki is as good if not better than Hagens.

There's a reason why Bear won't go until 15-25. Also, you are underrating Suzuki hockey IQ. He's probably in the top 10-15 in the NHL for that aspect. That's why I'm saying Bear is no where close.

 

[Peasy]

Do people not realize Suzuki today is not the Suzuki that was drafted, and he was literally drafted 13th overall lol.

Its not insane to say Suzuki will be better than Hagens lol. If Hagens reaches Suzuki level youre more than happy. Suzuki clearly out performed his draft ranking.

 

[newfy]

Any player who scores 40 goals in any league has high skill...for that league. But does Bear have enough NHL skill to compensate for mediocre skating and average height? I’m not sure he does and coming off a severe leg injury doesn’t give me any further comfort.

The way Bear plays, you don't have to worry as much about his "skill" translating as some junior prospects because a lot of his points come in ways that are project able. He gets to the net, isn't a perimeter guy, outworks almost everyone and has a good shot.

Its not a guy like Mikhail Grigorenko back in the day (as an extreme example), who if he cant dipsy doodle around everyone, he isn't producing.

If Bear is as good as Suzuki, he goes easilly top 5 in this draft no doubt. Your take is horrible.
If a guy like Hagens is listed top 5, then Suzuki is as good if not better than Hagens.

There's a reason why Bear won't go until 15-25. Also, you are underrating Suzuki hockey IQ. He's probably in the top 10-15 in the NHL for that aspect. That's why I'm saying Bear is no where close.

If Suzuki is as good as Suzuki he's not falling to 13 either. Not saying Bear is going to be as good, but people need to realise that when comparing prospects at draft time it doesn't mean you're comparing them in their primes in the NHL

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

If Suzuki is as good as Suzuki he's not falling to 13 either. Not saying Bear is going to be as good, but people need to realise that when comparing prospects at draft time it doesn't mean you're comparing them in their primes in the NHL

This needs to be sticky’d everywhere.

 

[Fistfullofbeer]

I really like Bear's game and early in the season thought he would be a good add to the Kraken if we were picking in the 8-12 range. Just sucks about his injury. I don't know much about the Achilles injuries but it sounds like those are really hard to recover from so I am not sure if risking our pick for him would be a good idea. Might take a shot at Eklund or Smith if either of those are still available.

 

[Senator Stanley]

Erik Karlsson had an achilles laceration back in 2013. You can go back and look at commentary from the time about the recovery process for that kind of injury, including the below from an athletic therapist. Karlsson would actually beat the odds and come back for the playoffs that year.

For at least a couple years after the injury he would talk about how his skating still didn't feel the same as it did before the injury. Of course, it didn't really matter because he was still Erik Karlsson.

Recovery from an Achilles tendon injury depends on the extent of the tear -- in his case 70% -- and the strength of the tendon before the injury.

"He had a healthy Achilles and a healthy foot, so he's going to be a faster recovery than it would in a tear," he said.

"Usually it's six months and it's a very progressive return.

"When it comes to the Achilles, conservative is better than aggressive because if you over-stretch the tendon, you lose strength," he said.

After about six weeks, scar tissue would have binded to the tendon to strengthen the two ends together, and the scar tissue is then re-modeled to allow him to play hockey again.

His leg also won't be used to carrying his full weight, and he'll have to rehabilitate his entire leg.

Miracle recovery? Therapist says not likely for Erik Karlsson

It's a miracle on Palladium Dr.

ottawasun.com

 

[Erika]

The way Bear plays, you don't have to worry as much about his "skill" translating as some junior prospects because a lot of his points come in ways that are project able. He gets to the net, isn't a perimeter guy, outworks almost everyone and has a good shot.

Its not a guy like Mikhail Grigorenko back in the day (as an extreme example), who if he cant dipsy doodle around everyone, he isn't producing.

If Suzuki is as good as Suzuki he's not falling to 13 either. Not saying Bear is going to be as good, but people need to realise that when comparing prospects at draft time it doesn't mean you're comparing them in their primes in the NHL

Suzuki dropping to 13th overall happens because of size preferences from NHL teams, consensus rankings and bad scouting. Suzuki is making a lot of scouts looking stupid right now. With Suzuki, his IQ was always apparent.

Same thing with Kucherov dropping to the 2nd round, Pastrnak going end of 1st round, Kopitar dropping to the 11th overall, Aho dropping to the 2nd round, Peterka dropping to the 2nd round. Those happened because of bad player evaluations from scouts.

Maybe scouts should change a bit their approach when it comes to criteria. Hockey IQ should always comes first, then work ethnic, then physical skills and finally size imo.

I love Bear as a prospect and I would love if my team could draft him, but him being positioned 15-25 is absolutely fine as he doesn't posses exceptional hockey IQ like Suzuki to compensate for his average skating. Also, his ruptured achilles tendon is a big concern, especially for a player who doesn't possses blazing speed. Those kind of injuries can take up to a year to heal and some people never heal completely.

My nephew had this same injury playing competitive soccer. 2 years later, he's still not fully 100% and lost quiet some speed and strength in his right foot. Those kind of injuries are career threatening for high level athletes, let alone NHL level prospects where one split second lost can impact his game.

 

[Peasy]

Suzuki dropping to 13th overall happens because of size preferences from NHL teams, consensus rankings and bad scouting. Suzuki is making a lot of scouts looking stupid right now. With Suzuki, his IQ was always apparent.

Same thing with Kucherov dropping to the 2nd round, Pastrnak going end of 1st round, Kopitar dropping to the 11th overall, Aho dropping to the 2nd round, Peterka dropping to the 2nd round. Those happened because of bad player evaluations from scouts.

Maybe scouts should change a bit their approach when it comes to criteria. Hockey IQ should always comes first, then work ethnic, then physical skills and finally size imo.

I love Bear as a prospect and I would love if my team could draft him, but him being positioned 15-25 is absolutely fine as he doesn't posses exceptional hockey IQ like Suzuki to compensate for his average skating. Also, his ruptured achilles tendon is a big concern, especially for a player who doesn't possses blazing speed. Those kind of injuries can take up to a year to heal and some people never heal completely.

My nephew had this same injury playing competitive soccer. 2 years later, he's still not fully 100% and lost quiet some speed and strength in his right foot. Those kind of injuries are career threatening for high level athletes, let alone NHL level prospects where one split second lost can impact his game.

Curious, where did you rank Suzuki at the time of the 2017 draft?

Suzuki was consistently praised for his high IQ during his draft year. People were concerned with other areas of his game and how that would translate. He wasnt the biggest guy, and didnt have that great of skating. The hockey IQ suzuki posses today, is not what he possesed during his draft year. Just like how the IQ Bear has today, won't be the IQ he has when hes 25. You seem to be constantly insinuating that Suzuki had the same IQ as today than he did back then which just isnt the case.

Also there a difference between a rupture and a clean cut. Ruptures are worse.

 

[Garbageyuk]

I think the real reason is you don't truly understand how high Suzuki's IQ is. Bear is very smart too, everything you said about Bear is true, but it's not even close tbh.

Lol, you’re telling a Habs fan they don’t know about Suzuki?