Red Wings' Carter Mazur says this part of his injury hit harder than rehab

The Detroit Red Wings played in their first game of the preseason on Tuesday night, as they took on long-time rivals, the Chicago Blackhawks. The Red Wings picked up the 3-2 win. One of Detroit's contributors was winger Carter Mazur.

Mazur scored a goal on his lone shot of the game to give the Red Wings an early 1-0 lead in the first period. Mazur got the assist from prospect Emmitt Finnie, who had a sick between-the-legs pass to the winger while near the goaltender's crease.

This was a huge moment for Mazur, as he worked his way back from an upper body injury that he suffered on the second shift of his NHL debut back in March. Just two shifts, and Mazur was out for the season. But now, he is working his way backand capitalized on the score sheet.

Mazur was asked after the game about his injury rehab this past offseason, and he said that it was the mental toll that was the hardest over the physical.

Carter Mazur details mental toll recovering from season-ending injury

“I would say the rehab part was really easy. It wasn’t actually that hard. I had the right people behind me. I would say the hardest part was the mental part," said Mazur, h/t Jonathan Mills of the Red Wings' official website. It was a very hard time to get injured, but I feel like I’m in a good spot right now. I had a full summer, probably five months, to get ready and my body right for the season.”

Before his call-up last season, Mazur played for the Red Wings' AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. In 20 games played, Mazur scored eight goals and dished out seven assists.

Mazur had an unideal start to his NHL career, as his debut ended before it really got started. That would take a toll on anyone. However, he expressed positivity when saying he used the summer to make sure his body was ready for the start of the season.

Mazur has already caught the attention of head coach Todd McLellan, saying that the winger really picked his game up midway through the game.

“When you’re in Training Camp and up high trying to watch 40 players, at once, it’s hard to pick up some of the little things that individuals do," said McLellan, h/t the team's official website. "Now, I get down behind the bench and I only really need to worry about 18 skaters. Then, you begin to appreciate players a little bit more for some of the things they do. I thought Carter, like our team, started a little bit slow and then got himself going in the second period.”

Mazur can continue to make his case to earn a spot on the team's regular season roster when they take on the Buffalo Sabres.