Carter Mazur may be the biggest mystery here because, while I like his chances he ends up with the Detroit Red Wings big club, the question is whether he'll stick out the NHL for an entire season. Injuries are the biggest concern, and it could lead one to think Mazur's nothing more than a 13th/14th forward.
But, if he adjusts his game, then middle six minutes are on the docket. And there's nothing wrong with making those adjustments, so long as they make your performance better. That'll be Mazur's challenge in camp, and it may even make or break his 2025-26 campaign following that tumultuous 2024-25 season.
The upside for Mazur is that the Wings aren't a deep team, and they have either older veterans or stopgaps manning that third line. For Mazur, this means he's got a chance to find a niche early and contribute. Should that happen, and he proves he can stay healthy, you can add him to the growing list of core players who will have a role in Hockeytown.
Over the past couple of months, I've wildly praised Mazur, calling him the team's "most NHL-ready prospect," knowing that, if it wasn't for the injuries, he'd be a shoo-in to this team's lineup.
Detroit Red Wings could have a gem in Carter Mazur, or another bust
It seems like almost everyone drafted after the first round during the Steve Yzerman era either wears the 'bust' or 'will never make the NHL' label. Mazur's got more than just a chance to help derail that trend, and he can do so without playing a fancy, high-octane game.
Even if adjusting his approach is the best way forward, it doesn't mean he needs to try and be a highlight-reel, 50-plus-point player. Would it be nice? None of us would complain. But nice doesn't always translate into necessary.
What's necessary is that the Wings need a player who can grind out 13-14 minutes per game, if that. One who can bring energy, win puck battles, and put the scoring lines in good position to make something happen. None of that will show on the stat sheet, but it would turn Mazur into one of the team's more impactful players.
It won't be long until we see what Mazur brings, and if he's ready to roll in Hockeytown or if another season in Grand Rapids is the way to go. Either way, I'm seeing him playing some NHL games this season.