Return to Little Caesars Arena Goes Better for Mazur

When Carter Mazur had logged 1:11 minutes of playing time  in the Detroit Red Wings’ preseason game Tuesday, he was already having a much better night than he had the last time he played for the Red Wings at Little Caesar Arena.

On March 6, Mazur made his NHL debut for the Red Wings and dislocated his elbow on his second shift. His debut lasted 1:10.  Mazur’s first preseason game  went much better as he scored a first-period power play goal to help Detroit down the Chicago Blackhawks, 3-2.

“I wouldn’t say I really thought back to that (March) night,” Mazur said. “I still was a dream of mine, still came true, still made it to the NHL. But it makes me want it even more now.”

Mazur is one of several prospects vying for a place on Detroit’s opening day roster. He played an aggressive style, registering a pair of hits, against the Blackhawks.

“I thought Carter, like, our team started a little bit slow and then got himself going in the second period,” Coach Todd McLellan said. “He had some nice touches, broke up some plays, but also made in tight little offensive plays.”

What a slick little pass from Emmitt Finnie to Carter Mazur! pic.twitter.com/IErr5a1Fti

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 23, 2025

Mazur’s goal came from the slot on a slick set-up by Emmitt Finnie who probably has been the most impressive prospect in training camp.

One of the big stories in camp is Mazur adding 12 to 15 pounds of muscle while he was going through the rehabilitation of his injury. He said Friday he weighs 197. In theory, it will help him stay healthy and give him more oomph when the delivers checks. The Red Wings need a scorer with a fair share of belligerence.

“If a player can bring that and contribute everywhere else, doesn’t matter what your name is, we could use that,” McLellan said. ” You know, certainly Carter has that.”

McLellan said the key for Mazur is learning to carry the extra weight.  “We expect him to get even faster and anticipate a little bit more once that weight settles in,” McLellan said.

Mazur is noticing the difference when he’s playing physical.

“I know I can use my body more against players,” Mazur said. “It’s just really just keeping weight on my frame. I know I’ve been hurt a lot, so it’s something that I needed to do. It’s something that I’m very happy that I got done.”

Mazur’s new beginning includes a number switch. He has given up 43, which was a salute to Darren Helm. He’s going with 34.

“I just needed to change something,” Mazur said. “I’ve been injured enough. I feel like I wanted to just change back to 34. That was my number in college and I did pretty well there. So I think it
was a good change.”