Carter Mazur’s strong post draft development
The Detroit Red Wings have several prospects who are looking to make the team this upcoming season. Axel Sandin-Pellikka has gotten a lot of attention from fans, but there is another player Detroit has high hopes for as well. 2021 third round pick Carter Mazur has a lot of qualities that the team is looking for.
After being drafted, Carter Mazur spent two years with the University of Denver on a team that won the NCAA Division I championship. Fellow prospects Antti Tuomisto and Shai Buium were also on the roster, and all three players have skated for the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Mazur scored 38 points (14g, 24A) in 41 games and 37 points (22G, 15A) in 40 games in his two seasons in Denver, respectively. His scoring abilities combined with a physical presence that had the Red Wings front office excited, leading to signing Mazur to his Entry Level Contract.
His brief appearance in Grand Rapids after his Sophomore season saw him score six points (3G, 3A) in six games. The following season Mazur scored 37 points (17G, 20A) in 60 games. The 2024-25 season looked to be the biggest opportunity yet for Mazur, but injury ultimately derailed those plans.
Overcoming a difficult season
Last season, Mazur was limited to 20 games in Grand Rapids, scoring 15 points (8G, 7A). His call up to the NHL was far too brief. On just his second shift, Mazur was injured and that was the end of his NHL debut. The hard nosed forward has had a long road to recovery, but it was reported yesterday that he has been cleared and is working hard.
Mazur has added 15 pounds to his frame as he continues to push hard for his next opportunity. The gritty forward was quoted as saying:
“I was called up for a reason. My game is still there… Gaining strength was always a big part of probably why I’ve gotten hurt a lot. I’m on the smaller side, but [Griffins Strength and Conditioning Coordinator] Marcus [Kinney] and [Griffins Physical Therapist] Zack Harvey put me in a good spot heading into the summer.”
Mazur is training not just to add strength, but to help avoid injury. His skillset is one that the Red Wings desperately need to round out the bottom six on the ice. The team lacks “sandpaper” and secondary scoring contributions have been far too low. Mazur seems custom built to fill those needs for a team desperate to find the post season.
The path to success for Mazur
Carter Mazur has found ways to contribute all over the ice, even when limited by injury. His tenacity and scoring prowess could be a big boost to Detroit at even strength and on the penalty kill. Mazur has no problem running into the hard areas on ice to win a puck battle. He puts everything on the line to be a part of the team’s success in any role that he plays.
Detroit’s greatest potential for success is going to come from internal improvements this coming season. Mazur is an ideal candidate as an addition to checking lines for a team that has to get stronger in every zone. Both the player and the Detroit organization are looking to put last season’s disappointment behind them and raise their stock in a very strong Atlantic Division. Success won’t come easily, and filling roles all across the lineup will be critical for the team to have a chance.
