Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen posted a profile of Red Wings prospect Carter Mazur, who’s bulked up by `13 pounds and feels much more ready to compete for an NHL job this season:
If Mazur was playing for another NHL team, he might be favored to earn a roster spot. He’s coming off a quality season in Grand Rapids, including a strong postseason (Eight points in nine games). But the Red Wings don’t have much wiggle room when it comes to roster room.
“I had confidence in the playoffs last year in the AHL, building off that and then adding that weight is a big factor in me not making the team or making the team,” Mazur said. “It is a little thing but it’s something that really adds to my game. That’s how I play. I want to be heavy, I want to be physical. Even if I’m not 200 pounds I still think I can do that at 188. It adds a lot of confidence to my game and I feel very comfortable where I’m at.”
Mazur’s read on his situation is probably right on the money, because what the Red Wings really like about Mazur he offers a snarl and fire breathing to go with his scoring touch. He totaled 17 goals in 60 games, and added three more in the playoffs. Mazur likely can be a 20-goal scorer at the NHL level. He projects to be a Tyler Bertuzzi type player,
“He’s obviously a bigger boy,” Detroit forward Joe Veleno said. “Not scared to battle in the corners and competes really hard. Always gives that extra effort. Just like that assist that he had the other night. He’s just kind of relentless on the puck, got some good skills in tight, got a good shot and he’s kind of built pretty thick.”
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Mazur played with Marco Kasper in the AHL playoffs. They seem to fit well together, both are tough to play against. Both play prickly.
(Kasper’s) also gotten bigger and stronger, I can tell,” Mazur said. ” He’s a player that can really change the game on a physical side and offensive size. He’s using his speed pretty well. In the first preseason game he was a really standout guy. I thought he did all the little things the right way. He’s not making mistakes. He’s just a really good hockey player. ”
