Though Carter Mazur’s introduction to the NHL was marked by an unfortunate and humbling setback, he has approached the experience with composure and resilience, choosing to remain confident in his abilities rather than look back at it with shame.
On March 6, during the second shift in his NHL debut, Mazur sustained a season-ending upper-body injury. Yet rather than dwell on a freak incident that prematurely halted his rookie campaign, Mazur has chosen to focus on the long and determined journey that brought him to hockey’s highest stage.
“I was called up for a reason,” Mazur told DetroitRedWings.com. “My game is still there. It’s not a career-ending injury, but the thought of that happening with all my family and friends there is still brutal. However, I have a great support system behind me. Every single one of them supports me no matter what. It was a tough thing to go through, but I have the right people behind me to get me in the right spot.”
It sounds sad when you put it this way, but injuries are nothing new for Mazur
His 2024-25 season with the Grand Rapids Griffins also ran into trouble, when the 23-year-old missed several months due to another upper-body injury. However, once he returned to the ice in mid-January, Mazur posted 15 points (eight goals, seven assists in 20 AHL games.
“Already having a year in the American Hockey League under my belt, I felt more comfortable last year,” Mazur said. “That helped me a lot. I trust my ability, and I always go back to that. I feel like I have some skill and snarl to my game…And out of the 20 games I did play, I felt like my game added a lot to the group.”
One of the most admirable traits Mazur brings to the game is his unflinching honesty. Candidly acknowledging that his recurring injuries stem, in part, from a lack of physical strength, Mazur has made it his top priority this offseason to address that vulnerability by committing fully to building a more durable and resilient frame.
“Gaining strength was always a big part of probably why I’ve gotten hurt a lot,” Mazur said. “I’m on the smaller side, but [Griffins Strength and Conditioning Coordinator] Marcus [Kinney] and [Griffins Physical Therapist] Zack Harvey put me in a good spot heading into the summer. Just keeping that muscle on, figuring out more about my body and what I really need is huge.”
Armed with a revamped training regimen and a stronger physique, Mazur has no intention of easing back into the game. His sights are firmly set on reclaiming his form and reestablishing himself as the dynamic point producer he was prior to his injury.
“After being [with the Red Wings], it makes it even clearer how much I need to be better,” Mazur said. “I need to push myself and I want to help them get back to the playoffs. I know I can get to that level. I have the ability, so it’s just about staying healthy. I’ve been through a lot of injuries, and I feel like I’ve come back better and stronger from every single one. I can’t really look at this one any differently.”
Beyond his teammates, Mazur credits Grand Rapids head coach Dan Watson for playing a pivotal role in his recovery—particularly by encouraging him to step back from the game and prioritize his healing when it mattered most.
“Last year, especially when I was hurt, he was the one who would always come up to and start talking with me,” Mazur said about Watson. “Since I couldn’t be out there, I didn’t really have anything to talk about hockey wise, but he always made sure to get it away from hockey and go to personal life stuff. That really helps around the rink, gets away from all that and then when it’s really time to lock in, he’s really dialed in on everything. He’s an unbelievable guy and coach to play for.”
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