Detroit Red Wings Prospect #3: NCHC standout Carter Mazur
After contributing to the University of Denver squad that took home the honors of being named “National Champions” in 2022, Carter Mazur took an expanded role on the offense as a sophomore for 2023.
Not only did he hold his own, he really thrived in what was asked of him by the coaching staff. Mazur at times led the country in scoring and had early murmurs of a possible Hobey Baker nomination. He did cool off down the stretch on the stat sheet but do not be fooled. His play did not diminish.
The rough and tumble style of play that Mazur brings to a team makes him extremely valuable, especially for Detroit, who lack players that bring the same amount of grit that he does night in and night out. Fans who are unfamiliar with Carter Mazur and have not had the opportunity to see him, his play can compare him to a slightly more skilled Darren Helm.
He works his tail off every shift, on and off the puck, but when given a lane can still make some offense happen. As of now, there are talks that Mazur could still return to the University of Denver and play out next season for another shot at the National Title.
That would be completely up to him if he would want to pursue that, but as far as where he sits at a development stance, he is ready for the next step and to begin the grooming process for the pro game.
With his game consisting mainly of out-working his opponents and grinding them out, he could simply only need a few months in Grand Rapids before The Red Wings look his way to spark their bottom six, especially if they struggle early on.