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Carter Mazur has my attention going into the prospect tournament. In 2 NCAA seasons in Denver he had 38 points in 41 games and 37 points in 40 games. He also acquired 6 points in 6 games (3g, 3a) in limited post collegiate AHL action last year.

A 6’ right shooting left wing, Mazur grabbed the attention of the front office and is on the pro path just a couple of years after his 2021 draft (70th overall). Certainly, during the prospect tournament he should be expected to contribute. The real interesting test is when the young winger lines up with NHL counterparts. Not everyone can translate into the NHL. We saw Hirose be a near point per game player in Grand Rapids but struggle after his inaugural session with Detroit.

I will say this, as Lashoff has retired I have tremendous respect for anyone who can make a career in the AHL with some stints in the NHL. Pro hockey at the AHL level is not “easy”. It’s certainly not the NHL, but it’s an opportunity to make a living as an athlete. In the case of Mazur (and others) Detroit needs someone to break out. Someone to have a pre season that either keeps them in Detroit or puts them at the top of the call up list.

There is a sense of “low expectation” for Detroit and internal competition could be a catalyst to a better than expected season. Some of you were absolutely right in the years before Yzerman came. There were players who seemed content to collect a paycheck without much return for the team. Yzerman goes full Yahtzee at times and shakes things up. Another influx of new players, another underperforming player let go.

Let me know if you’re going to be watching and what you expect to see from the prospect tournament. Here is a link to the roster for the tournament. I hope many of you get to enjoy seeing what the young hopefuls bring to the ice this year.

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