The Anaheim Ducks have secured Pavel Mintyukov with a five‑year contract extension that carries an average annual value of $7.2 million, a figure that places the 22‑year‑old among the league’s top 40 highest‑paid defensemen. The agreement comes after a flurry of interest from several clubs, but Mintyukov made clear his desire to remain in Anaheim and continue building with the team that drafted him.
A Deal That Puts Him in Elite Company
Mintyukov’s new contract not only rewards his defensive reliability but also signals the Ducks’ intent to retain a player who has already logged 82 hits and 103 shot blocks per 82 games. Those numbers, combined with routine power‑play minutes this season, illustrate a well‑rounded skill set that the coaching staff believes can evolve into a more prominent role.
Offensively, the blue‑liner posted 22 points in 73 games this season, a drop from his rookie output but still enough to keep him relevant in a depth‑scoring capacity. The contract places him comfortably within the top 40 defensemen by AAV, a tier that includes several established NHL stalwarts.
What the Numbers Mean for Anaheim
With $9.973 million in cap space remaining after the extension, the Ducks still have room to maneuver, though the front office is keenly focused on locking up 40‑goal scorer Cutter Gauthier. The team’s strategy appears to be a two‑pronged approach: retain emerging talent while aggressively pursuing high‑impact free agents.
Mintyukov’s draft pedigree adds another layer of optimism. Selected 10th overall in the 2022 NHL draft, he entered the league with a reputation for defensive grit and a willingness to block shots. The extension reflects the organization’s confidence that his development curve will continue upward, especially as he gains more minutes and responsibility.
Looking Ahead
As the Ducks shift their attention to the remaining free‑agent market, the focus will be on adding a top‑six forward to complement the newly secured defenseman. For Mintyukov, the contract offers a platform to cement his place in Anaheim’s long‑term plans and perhaps break out of his current production plateau in the seasons to come.