Coming off 2025-26 season with Griffins and Red Wings, Mazur wants to take ‘massive leap’ in his game this summer

DETROIT -- Sharing his perspective on a 2025-26 campaign that provided a glimpse of the future he’s working towards, Carter Mazur is certain his mindset is even sharper and more determined now than it already was this past fall.

“Getting hurt five games in, I honestly, if you told me I’d be in Detroit the last eight games, I’d tell you, ‘You’re crazy,’” Mazur said in his end-of-season media session on May 23. “But, to get that opportunity… I didn’t do what I really wanted to do producing-wise, but I feel like it gave me a lot of momentum, confidence in my game and myself just being there. I want to be part of that and help them take the next step.”

In eight games with the Detroit Red Wings, the 24-year-old forward averaged 10:42 in ice time. He also tallied 16 points (11 goals, five assists) in 16 regular-season contests with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins and had six points (five goals, one assist) in eight 2026 Calder Cup Playoff games.

“I played 24 games in the AHL and scored 16 goals, so I think [scoring] was kind of a big focus for me,” Mazur said of his fourth campaign in Grand Rapids. “I wanted to put the puck in the back of the net, for sure. That was probably the biggest step for me this year.”

A lower-body injury sidelined Mazur from Oct. 28 – Feb. 28 this season, and he explained that everything injury-wise he’s dealt with throughout his professional hockey career has turned him into “a better person and better player.”

“With the injuries and all that, I think just my perseverance and how I get better through a lot of these injuries have kind of stuck out to me a lot,” Mazur said. “I think the mental side for sure has improved, that’s kind of what I’ve concluded.”

There’s still plenty to prove for the 6-foot, 200-pound native of Jackson, Mich. Suiting up for his hometown NHL club during its final regular-season stretch, Mazur said, increased his work ethic even more.

“I know I didn’t produce the way I wanted to [with the Red Wings], but again, I felt more comfortable every other game,” the young forward said. “I’m excited. I just know what to expect now and it’s something that makes me want to work harder towards that goal.”

Certainly, anything is possible with Mazur’s talent and determination level, but the other piece is translating that into consistency.

“I need to stick to my game every single night,” Mazur said. “Again, it’s hard to have an A-game every single game for sure up there. You play a game every other day, so I think it’s just bringing it every single night, having that focus, just knowing I belong and having the confidence.”

With no shortage of motivation this offseason, Mazur is ready to put in the necessary work to successfully take that next big step in his development and reach his goals.

“I’m going to take the summer as I take every other summer but again, this is a summer I want to take a massive leap in my game and just my ability to stay healthy,” Mazur said. “I need to take care of my body better. I’m just looking forward to the summer and getting back to Training Camp already.”