Former Tri-City And NTDP Forward Leaves Game Early In NHL Debut

It wasn’t exactly how Carter Mazur drew up his NHL debut.

The former Tri-City Storm and NTDP left winger was called up by the Detroit Red Wings after the club placed forward Christian Fischer on waivers Wednesday. He made his long-awaited debut Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena in the Red Wings’ 4-2 loss to the Utah Hockey Club.

It was a dream come true for Mazur, who grew up less than 80 miles from Detroit in Jackson, Mich. Over 200 friends and family members were expected to be on hand to watch him on his big night. He even shared a touching moment with his mom before the game.

Mazur’s debut in The Show was brief. He logged two shifts and a total of 1:10 of ice time before exiting the game early in the first period with an upper-body injury.

In his post-game presser, Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan told reporters Mazur would undergo further evaluation and would not be making the trip to Washington for the team’s next game against the Capitals.

“Obviously didn’t return after two shifts,” McLellan said. “You basically have to be really banged up if you’re not going to return to the ice on your first night that early in the game.”

The 22-year-old Mazur had been called up from the Red Wings’ American Hockey League affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins ahead of Thursday morning skate. In 20 games with the Griffins this season, he potted eight goals and added seven assists for 15 points. He currently has 58 points (28-30-58) through 86 career AHL appearances.

Over a successful NCAA career, he helped the University of Denver capture an NCAA National Championship during the 2021-22 season. In two collegiate seasons, he registered 75 points (36-39-75) in 81 regular-season appearances.

In three USHL seasons with Tri-City from 2018-21, Mazur posted 57 points (26-31-57) and 86 penalty minutes in 95 games. He also captained the Storm during his final season with the club and skated one season for USA’s NTDP Program .

Detroit selected the 6-foot, 172-pound right-shot forward in the third round (70th overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft. Scouts love Mazur’s ability to catch the puck and get around defenders to make plays. Unfortunately, Thursday night wasn’t the only time Mazur suffered a major injury at a critical time.

During the NHL Prospect Tournament in 2023, Mazur injured his shoulder, causing him to miss several months. He also missed three months this season following an upper-body injury in November.

Mazur grew up dreaming of playing for the Red wings, even putting that dream to paper.

He got his chance, albeit briefly. Hopefully, he’ll recover quickly and get another shot. The Red Wings have a lot of depth at forward, so time is of the essence.