Detroit Red Wings Looking to Carter Mazur for a Spark

2021 third-round pick Carter Mazur is back with the Detroit Red Wings nearly a year after an elbow injury ended his NHL debut 70 seconds in.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:06am

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The Detroit Red Wings are calling up 24-year-old forward Carter Mazur from their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids to provide a spark as the team tries to climb the standings and make the playoffs. Mazur made his NHL debut last season but suffered an elbow injury just 70 seconds into the game. Now healthy, Mazur has 11 goals and 15 points in 14 games with the Griffins this season and the Red Wings are hoping he can bring some energy and production to their lineup.

Why it matters

The Red Wings are in a tight playoff race, sitting just two points out of a postseason spot with nine games left in the regular season. They're looking for any boost they can get, and Mazur's call-up represents an opportunity for a young player to make an impact at the NHL level and potentially earn a more permanent spot on the roster.

The details

Mazur made his 2025-26 debut for the Red Wings on Saturday, a little more than a year after his initial NHL debut was cut short by an elbow injury. He says he was a bit timid in his first period back, but is now feeling confident in his game. Red Wings coach Todd McLellan says the team has been impressed by Mazur's production in the AHL and they're hoping he can provide a 'spark' for the struggling NHL club.

  • Mazur made his NHL debut on March 30, 2025, but suffered an elbow injury just 70 seconds into the game.
  • Mazur was called up from the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins and made his 2025-26 debut for the Red Wings on March 30, 2026.
  • The Red Wings play at the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 31, 2026, the start of a three-game road trip.

The players

Carter Mazur

A 24-year-old forward who was a 2021 third-round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings. He has dealt with injuries throughout his pro career but has 11 goals and 15 points in 14 AHL games this season.

Todd McLellan

The head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, who says the team is hoping Mazur can provide a 'spark' as they try to climb the standings and make the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“The first period I was a little bit timid for sure, especially with how last time went. That's kind of in the back of my mind. But now that I got the first one out of the way, I'm feeling really confident in my game.”

— Carter Mazur, Red Wings forward

“I didn't know a lot about Carter. Even through training camp, there's so many players this year. We were together for six, seven days, and then an exhibition season, and there's so many to manage that it's hard to really get to know an individual, so you rely a lot on individuals in the organization. Anything that we saw this year, he really wasn't involved in because of another injury, which has been unfortunate to him. Since he's been back, though, he's been quite an effective player down there, and we've always tried to tap into those players that are playing well and maybe productive there and bring them up and see if they can give us a spark. I think he provided that, but it wasn't an easy game to come and play when the rest of the group was pretty flat.”

— Todd McLellan, Red Wings head coach

What’s next

The Red Wings will continue to evaluate Mazur's performance as they try to climb the standings and secure a playoff spot. If he can provide a consistent spark, he could earn a more permanent role on the NHL roster.

The takeaway

The Red Wings' decision to call up the young, injury-plagued Carter Mazur represents their search for any potential boost as they fight to make the playoffs. Mazur's ability to overcome adversity and produce in the AHL has earned him this NHL opportunity, and the team is hoping his energy and skill can help ignite their push for the postseason.