The Detroit Red Wings announced that they have signed DU sophomore left wing Carter Mazur to a three-year entry-level contract beginning with the 2023-24 season. Mazur will report to the team’s AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins for the remainder of the 2022-23 season on an Amateur Try Out (one of a few ways to avoid burning the first year of his ELC). A fan favorite, “Mazur with a laser” played a vital role in back-to-back 30-win seasons and the 2021-22 national championship.
Mazur also represented the U.S. at the IIHF World Junior Championship in August 2022 and recorded seven points (5g/2a) in five games. Mazur led all Denver freshmen and finished tied for fifth on the team in scoring with 38 points (14g/24a) while playing in all 41 games to help the Pioneers capture their record-tying ninth national championship.
This past season, Mazur delivered 22 goals and 14 assists (+18) with 36 points and six game-winning goals. His talent and skill was evident since the first day he set foot on the Magness Arena ice. It is certainly a great career opportunity and dream come true for the Jackson, Michigan native and lifelong Red Wings fan but a big loss for the Pios.
In addition to Mazur’s signing, DU’s outstanding senior captain Justin Lee is headed to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the American Hockey League. Lee was a stout defender who led by example in a long line of standout team leaders. David Carle relied heavily on Lee, as he has for all his captains, to play a key leadership role.
The Colorado Eagles also signed senior defenseman Kyle Mayhew to an AHL contract for the 2023-24 season and he will join his former teammate Cameron Wright who signed in Loveland after the 2022 national championship. This past season, Mayhew scored 2 goals and 7 assists but his steady defense resulted in a plus/minus of +18. It will be a short drive north to Loveland to watch Mayhew apply his craft.
As for other potential signings, DU is still waiting on Mike Benning’s (2020 4th rd/FLA) decision as to whether he decides to return to Magness Arena for his senior year or sign with the Florida Panthers. He delivered an NCAA defenseman-best 13 goals and 21 assists this past season with a +22. He is certain to be under serious consideration for team captain and a likely Hobey Baker candidate if he elects to return.
At this point, no Pioneers have yet entered the hockey transfer portal. But as is the case with every collegiate sport these days, that can always change in a hurry.
Photo of Mazur courtesy of University of Denver Athletics
Anyone who leaves here a national champion pretty much has my blessing. Leaving as a 2-time champion like Carle & Gauthier would have been even more impressive. But Mazur & crew got the job done in a big way last year. Good luck to Carter!
What are your thoughts on Rizzo and Behrins?
I don’t expect either to sign. Neither of them would see NHL minutes next year so there isn’t much point in signing now just to toil in the AHL.
Congrats to Mazur!! He had a fantastic two years here and will be missed for sure. He hit the ground running last year, was an impact player from day 1, and was a complete player for this DU team–he could do it all. Besides his skill with the puck, he also had an edge to his game and was effectively physical. I really liked that about his style. I hope he has a long and fruitful career in the NHL.