The Detroit Red Wings currently have a projected roster of 12 NHL forwards who are expected to start the season, comprising a lineup that appears mostly set for the opener. Despite this apparent solidity, training camp remains crucial as competition for roster spots persists, alongside the potential for injuries or surprise performances to create new opportunities.
Among the forward prospects not included in the top 12, Carter Mazur and Marco Kasper stand out as the closest to making the NHL roster. Both players are waiver-exempt, meaning they can be moved between the NHL and AHL without being subject to waivers, provided they are not regulars in the NHL lineup.
Carter Mazur, a right-shooting winger drafted 70th overall in 2021 (third round), demonstrated his capabilities with 17 goals and 37 points in 60 regular-season games for the Grand Rapids Griffins, along with three goals and eight points in nine playoff appearances. Mazur, a 6-foot, 175-pound native of Jackson, Michigan, impressed during his first full AHL season.
Marco Kasper, a left-shooting center selected eighth overall in 2022, faced initial challenges adjusting to North American hockey but showed improvement as the season progressed. He accumulated 14 goals and 35 points in 71 regular-season games and contributed four goals and seven points in the playoffs. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman praised Kasper’s development, noting his strong two-way play and growing offensive contributions as the season unfolded.
Yzerman highlighted Mazur’s need to add strength and physicality to his game while commending both prospects for their positive attitudes and evident progress throughout the season. Despite not participating in the recent development camp due to their advanced stage of development, Mazur and Kasper garnered praise from the Red Wings’ coaching and development staffs for their resilience and growth over the course of the season.