Carter Mazur is a gritty player whose work ethic could land him a spot on the Detroit Red Wings top line if he has an outstanding camp come September. "But, Todd," you might say, "Why would you put someone who's played in just 70 seconds at the NHL level on the top line?"
Well, here's what's up. For one, I currently have Mazur projected to find a spot on the fourth line, but here's the problem. At the time of this writing, the Wings have a massive question mark with just five surefire top-six forwards.
Yeah, they could make a trade for someone like Rickard Rakell or, if they wanted to try and get a steal, inquire about Jordan Kyrou. But if Steve Yzerman, which I don't doubt, wants to keep building in-house, then nobody's coming to the rescue.
That means Yzerman and head coach Todd McLellan are rolling with the players they got. That makes a top-six wing position a free for all, and Mazur would be a candidate by default.
Further, this is all assuming that they want Alex DeBrincat on the second line so he can pair with Patrick Kane, but who's playing that top line if and when there's no trade?
Carter Mazur has a better chance to end up on the Red Wings top line than you think
Sure, Mazur lacks experience in the NHL, but he's already proven he's ready for the big time. If that wasn't the case, Yzerman never would've promoted him last season to try and help the Wings make a playoff run.
No, it didn't end the way we wanted it to, with Mazur suffering an injury shortly into Game 1 of his career. But when you look at the Red Wings current projected lineup, you can't help but ask, "Who else is there?"
Elmer Soderblom is one name that comes to mind. But what if he struggles in camp? James van Reimsdyk? He'd be a good one-year solution, but it'd be smarter to put someone there who could be part of your long-term plans, which van Riemsdyk isn't.
Nor is Mason Appleton, who shouldn't be anywhere near the top line to begin with. And the only other one I could project to make the lineup right now is Jonatan Berggren. Who hasn't really given Red Wings fans faith that he'd be a long-term asset.
This leaves Carter Mazur, who could surprise the base if he enjoys a monster training camp and keeps that momentum rolling. That said, I'm not counting out Mazur, despite his lack of experience playing in the NHL.
It only takes a few good practices and a few great games to catch the coaching staff's attention to the point Yzerman will keep him around. Should Mazur prove himself in camp, don't be surprised one iota if he's lining up alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond.
More from Octopus Thrower