Carter Mazur's not bringing the same production you can expect from Nate Danielson, Max Plante, or Axel Sandin-Pellikka when they're all with the big club. But he's the most NHL-ready prospect with more probablity than any other in the system to play in the opening day lineup.
Last season, we could've removed the prospect label, but fate had other ideas as Mazur only saw 70 seconds of action in the NHL. If he's healthy throughout training camp, he's not only earning a spot, but bringing a much-needed dimension to the Red Wings.
If there's something they need more of, it's grit. and it's something we've seen since Mazur first landed in Grand Rapids. But you know what else he'll bring? Depth productivity, giving the Wings a deeper lineup.
Carter Mazur's got that jack-of-all-trades approach that'll benefit the Detroit Red Wings
Like I said earlier, his production won't match anything we can expect from the higher-end prospects. But that doesn't mean he's going in there and putting up between 20 and 25 points a season.
Instead, look for Mazur to grow this year, possibly hitting somewhere in that range. Expect more grit and serviceable three-zone production in 2025-26. That's typical of a mid-round pick getting a chance to stick around full time.
It'll help the Wings improve what's been a weakness: A tendency to falter when in the defensive zone. We saw it happen way too often at the worst times, especially during that ill-fated playoff run that came up short for the second straight season and ninth straight overall.
Mazur won't be a game-changing force, but he'll contribute
He's not someone who will ever go in there and play top-quality defensive forward minutes, nor will he wow you with hat tricks. But a youngster like Mazur doesn't need to. If he plays a solid game, and helps slow down some of those rushes that crushed Detroit's playoff chances, then he made the team better.
We don't need to call Mazur the most exciting prospect in the lineup for him to come in and make some noise. He only needs to be Mr. Reliable game in and game out. It means he'll rarely enjoy outstanding performances, but fans and coaches also won't point the finger at him often for a blown play.
For Mazur, it's all about going in there, doing your job, contributing when possible in sequences, and busting up opposing sequences.