The Detroit Red Wings are counting on organizational depth to get through this season. However, that depth has recently taken a hit due to mounting injuries. In particular, Carter Mazur, Amadeus Lombardi and Shai Buium are all hurt.
Detroit nearly lost Moritz Seider in a hard fought game against the Boston Bruins. Seider was able to come back, but his loss would have been disastrous. Injuries are going to play a key part in this season, thus the opportunity is great for call ups from the AHL. Unfortunately, three top options won’t be available for while.
During yesterday’s Grand Rapids Griffins game, updates were given for Mazur and Lombardi. As of now, Mazur will be out for an “indeterminate” amount of time. Similarly, Lombardi has been listed as “week to week” with not definitive date for return.
Carter Mazur’s injuries are piling up
For Carter Mazur, the news has been particularly disheartening. Mazur seemed all but guaranteed to make the club, but a preseason injury got in the way. However, Mazur had a great start to the season in Grand Rapids and seemed ready to go. At this point, it seems that Mazur could miss most of the regular season.
Last season, Mazur played two shifts in the NHL before an injury took him out of the game. Similarly, the preceding season saw an inability to stay healthy get in his way. If Mazur can’t come back this year, it’s another lost season and another lost opportunity.
Amadeus Lombardi and Shai Buium had a shot
Like Carter Mazur, Lombardi lost a good deal of time last season recovering from injury. Amadeus Lombardi was held to just 44 games, but scored 40 points (19g, 21a) in that time. However, it sounds like Lombardi could return to action in the new year. Hopefully, the injury can be quickly rehabbed and see Lombardi back in action soon.
For Shai Buium, there has been no real update since he was lost in the preseason. Buium had taken a big step forward, both offensively and defensively. Detroit’s lack of defensive depth provides a huge opportunity for someone to take a job. However, Buium has yet to play a regular season game this year.
Who will Detroit call up next?
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard is starting to find his game, and at the perfect time. Consequently, MBN found himself with 10 points in his past 10 games heading into yesterday’s contest. The Red Wings could well revisit the young prospect as opportunity become available.
Free Agent forward John Leonard has been spectacular in the AHL this year. Leonard has now scored 15 goals in 15 games, thereby leading the league in goal scoring. In fact, Leonard has played five fewer games than the next highest goal scores in the league. The 27 year old may well earn a shot to make his NHL return this season.
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