‘I was called up for a reason’: Mazur discusses emotions of NHL debut with Red Wings, offseason training

Mazur also said when he was getting his body back to full health at the start of last season, Grand Rapids head coach Dan Watson served as a guiding, positive presence.

“Last year, especially when I was hurt, he was the one who would always come up to and start talking with me,” Mazur said about Watson. “Since I couldn’t be out there, I didn’t really have anything to talk about hockey wise, but he always made sure to get it away from hockey and go to personal life stuff. That really helps around the rink, gets away from all that and then when it’s really time to lock in, he’s really dialed in on everything. He’s an unbelievable guy and coach to play for.”

With a new campaign fast approaching, Mazur said his goal is to pick up right where he left off. He’s especially eager for Detroit’s Training Camp to kick off this fall and intends to put his best foot forward to try to secure a spot on the Opening Night roster.

“After being [with the Red Wings], it makes it even clearer how much I need to be better,” Mazur said. “I need to push myself and I want to help them get back to the playoffs. I know I can get to that level. I have the ability, so it’s just about staying healthy. I’ve been through a lot of injuries, and I feel like I’ve come back better and stronger from every single one. I can’t really look at this one any differently.”