Red Wings Report Card: Mazur Grade ‘Incomplete’

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IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Age: He turned 24 two months ago

Contract Status: He’s coming off an expiring entry level NHL deal and will be an RFA on July 1.

Last season’s contributions: Played eight games at the NHL level, showed no points with six blocked shots, 10 hits and three shots on goal

Grade: I

Past​

The NHL and American Hockey League have played three full seasons since Carter Mazur gave up college hockey to turn pro.

The Muskegon native, injured in each of those seasons has played roughly 48.5% of the games available to him. In 2023-24, he played 60 of 72 games in the regular reason and scored 17 goals. In the playoffs, he put up eight points in nine games. The Red Wings were certainly intrigued with his potential.

But we are giving him an incomplete because of his injury history. Injuries limited him to just 20 games with the Griffins in 2024-25. He then made his NHL debut late in that season and suffered a season-ending elbow dislocation on his second shift. This season, injuries limited him to 16 games with the Griffins and eight more with the Red Wings. His AHL numbers over the last two AHL regular seasons are 19 goals and 12 assists for 31 points in 36 games. He didn’t register a point in eight games with the Red Wings. But in the AHL playoffs, he showed five goals in eight games.

The incomplete also reflects the reality that the Red Wings can’t be sure what they have in Mazur heading into 2026-27 season. There are questions. Can he stay healthy? Can he score at the NHL level? Can he play on the second line at the NHL level? This upcoming season is enormously important for the scrappy forward.

“My skating and gritty areas that’s something Detroit wants and needs right now”

Carter Mazur shared his thoughts on his season and what in his game will translate most in the NHL as he develops

Hear his full exit interview here#GoGRG#AHL#LGRWpic.twitter.com/jwGqzV0O82

— Hockeytown West Podcast (@HockeytownWpod) May 29, 2026

Present​

Grand Rapids coach Dan Watson has been working with Mazur for three years and understands how he needs to play to be successful.

“He’s one of the guys that’s not going to change his game too much,” Watson said. “I think he’s going to produce more offense at (the AHL) level. But he goes up there, he’s physical, he’s getting pucks to the net, he’s getting himself to the net, he’s in the corners battling, he’s blocking shots, he’s doing everything that’s part of his identity. (It’s) what’s in his DNA. He comes back here, does the exact same thing, but now he’s got a little more puck touch at this level. I, and I hope that translates to the NHL.”

Mazur has shown a scoring knack at the college and AHL level. However, he will need to shoot more at the NHL level. He only fired three shots on goal in his eight NHL games this season.

Future​

Depending upon whether the Red Wings land a proven center to play with Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane (presuming they re-sign him), Detroit Hockey Now could see a third line with Mazur, Kasper and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard.

Mazur had 10 hits in limited playing time last season and it’s his game to crash and bang. Brandsegg-Nygard plays a very physical game. Kasper led Detroit in hits (181) last season.

If the Red Wings go with that trio, they could register 450 to 500 hits. That would help the Red Wings establish a new identify of being hard to play against.

It’s also possible that that Mazur could start on the fourth line. But the Red Wings are going to give him a chance because he’s no longer waiver exempt. He can’t be sent back to Grand Rapids without being exposed to waivers.

Next deal: He won’t get much more than his $874,500 qualifying offer.

The post Red Wings Report Card: Mazur Grade ‘Incomplete’ appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

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