The Anaheim Ducks have signed 10th overall pick Pavel Mintyukov to a three-year entry-level contract. Mintyukov was one of two first-round selections for Anaheim in the 2022 NHL draft, equally drafting centre Nathan Gaucher 22nd overall.
NEWS: We have signed Pavel Mintyukov to a three-year entry-level contract. #FlyTogether https://t.co/j2Nrl5H2JQ
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) July 16, 2022
Pavel Mintyukov Signs Contract
The 18-year-old defenseman born in Moscow, Russia put up 17 goals and 45 assists for 62 points in 67 games with Saginaw of the OHL this past season. As a defenseman, Mintyukov led the entire Saginaw Spirit team in points. This feat is even more impressive considering Saginaw finished second-last in the OHL this past season.
The 6’1″, 197 lbs offensive defenseman is incredibly dynamic, with agility, speed, and poise that separates him from most defensemen in their draft years. He is equally a skilled playmaker, using his speed to create creative lanes for long passes. Having scored 17 goals as a defenseman, Mintyukov’s shot is strong, and he uses it frequently. As our own Ben Kerr explains in his scouting report, Mintyukov is a power play specialist, with his speed and offence making him an ideal candidate to quarterback an Anaheim power play. As for the defensive aspects of his game, Mintyukov is unafraid to throw a big hit when needed, although sometimes he does find himself out of position. However, his skating abilities allow him to get back into position quickly. He will always be the first player back on the back-check while being a prime candidate to start the rush.
On a weak Anaheim team, Mintyukov may play in the NHL this coming season, however, an OHL return is more likely. Assuming he plays this season and his contract doesn’t slide, his deal will expire after the 2024-25 season. His contract carries a cap hit of $950,000, along with a maximum annual average value of $1,733,333.
Backstage with 10th overall pick Pavel Mintyukov #DucksDraft | @Honda pic.twitter.com/2kx8L9RNUS
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) July 8, 2022
What This Means
Joining a budding defensive corps in Anaheim, compromised of NHL-established Jamie Drysdale, WHL phenom Oren Zellweger, and fellow 2022 draftees, Gatineau Olympiques duo Noah Warren and Tristan Luneau, Mintyukov will have competition to solidify himself in a top-four spot. However, his elite skill shouldn’t hold him back from logging big professional minutes sooner rather than later.
In Ben Kerr’s scouting report, Mintyukov is stylistically compared to PK Subban, who, in his prime held the same game-breaking ability Mintyukov could very well possess.
