Mazur Still Confident He Belongs in NHL

Red Wings call up forward Carter Mazur on his 24th birthday after injury-plagued stint in minors

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:51pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a hockey player in mid-stride, their body broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of red, white, and blue, conveying the raw energy and determination of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a Red Wings player's determined drive towards the net, reflecting Mazur's resilience in the face of injury setbacks.Jackson Today

The Detroit Red Wings called up forward Carter Mazur from their AHL affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins on his 24th birthday. Mazur, a Jackson, Michigan native, made his NHL debut over a year ago but has since been plagued by injuries that have kept him out of the lineup. Despite the setbacks, Mazur remains confident he belongs in the NHL and is determined to make the most of his latest opportunity.

Why it matters

Mazur is one of the Red Wings' top prospects, and his development has been hindered by injuries over the past year. If he can stay healthy and produce at the NHL level, it would be a significant boost for the organization as they look to build a contender for the future.

The details

Mazur was called up from the Griffins on his 24th birthday after impressing with 11 goals in 14 games. He made his NHL debut in March 2025 but suffered an injury on his second shift and hasn't played in the NHL since. Mazur has tried to stay positive through the injury setbacks, saying 'Injuries are part of the game. They happen to me a little more than a lot of people, but I've gone through every single one of them in a good positive way.'

  • Mazur made his NHL debut on March 5, 2025.
  • After an impressive 5-game start with the Griffins this season, Mazur suffered a lower body injury that kept him out for 48 games.
  • Mazur was called up by the Red Wings on his 24th birthday, March 30, 2026.

The players

Carter Mazur

A 24-year-old forward in the Detroit Red Wings organization who was called up from the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins on his birthday.

Dan Watson

The head coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit's AHL affiliate.

Detroit Red Wings

The NHL team that called up Carter Mazur from their AHL affiliate.

Grand Rapids Griffins

The AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings where Carter Mazur has been playing.

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What they’re saying

“'I was at the (Grand Rapids Griffins) morning skate and coach (Dan) Watson came in and said; 'You should answer your phone,'' Mazur said. 'And then I had a good feeling of what it may be, and especially on my birthday. It was a whirlwind.'”

— Carter Mazur, Red Wings forward

“'I think you just can't think about it,' Mazur said. 'I think I just got to go out there and play my game no matter what. Injuries are part of the game. They happen to a little more to me than a lot of people, but I've gone through every single one of them in a good positive way.'”

— Carter Mazur, Red Wings forward

What’s next

If Mazur can stay healthy and produce at the NHL level, he could earn a permanent roster spot with the Red Wings and become a key part of their future plans.

The takeaway

Mazur's perseverance and positive attitude through a string of injuries have impressed the Red Wings organization, and they are hopeful that he can finally break through and establish himself as an NHL player. His latest call-up is a testament to his talent and determination.