Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Pavel Mintyukov

Pavel Mintyukov Re-signs with the Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks have announced that they have come to terms, as Pavel Mintyukov re-signs with a nice new deal. The deal carries has a cap hit of $7.2 million and carries Mintyukov through the 2030-31 season. It is for five years and has a $3 million signing bonus for year one. Let’s discuss the details.

Credit Image: © Alex Cave/ZUMA Press Wire

Pavel Mintyukov Re-signs with the Anaheim Ducks

The deal does come during a busy time for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek. He wanted to make this deal, so that he shows he hasn’t lost the group. Of course, this is following the Leo Carlsson offer sheet from Philadelphia Flyer general manager Daniel Briere, with no decision yet from Carlsson on whether or not he inks in Philly or not. Moreover, Mintyukov was offer sheet eligible, and even his agent, Dan Milstein, thought it was a possibility he received one. Luckily for Verbeek, none came, and he locked up the Russian defenceman today.

Defenceman Pavel Mintyukov re-signs with the Anaheim Ducks, ensuring one of the organization’s talented young blueliners remains in Orange County for years to come. The deal comes after Mintyukov completed the final season of his entry-level contract and continued establishing himself as an important part of Anaheim’s defensive core.

Mintyukov appeared in 73 games during the 2025-26 season, recording eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points. The 22-year-old logged over 18 minutes per game while showcasing the offensive instincts and puck-moving ability that made him a top-10 selection in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. His ability to contribute offensively from the back end provided valuable depth to Anaheim’s blueline throughout the season.

Career Background and Playing Profile

The Ducks selected Mintyukov 10th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft after an impressive junior career highlighted by his offensive production and dynamic skill set. Since making the jump to the NHL, he has quickly developed into a regular member of Anaheim’s defence corps.

Standing six-foot-one and weighing over 200 pounds, Mintyukov combines strong skating ability with excellent puck skills and offensive creativity. He is comfortable carrying the puck through the neutral zone, creating passing lanes, and supporting the attack from the blue line. Those attributes have helped him become one of the organization’s most intriguing young defencemen.

Despite his offensive reputation, Mintyukov has also continued to gain experience in his own zone. With more than 200 NHL games already under his belt, he has established himself as a valuable piece of Anaheim’s long-term plans while still possessing significant room for growth.

Anaheim goal!Scored by Pavel Mintyukov with 17:05 remaining in the 2nd period.Assisted by Ryan Poehling and Jeffrey Viel.Toronto: 1Anaheim: 3#ANAvsTOR #LeafsForever #FlyTogether

NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-03-13T00:23:29.068052Z

What This Means for Anaheim

For the Ducks, this signing secures another important piece of the roster. Mintyukov joins a talented young core that includes Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and Jackson LaCombe as Anaheim continues its progression toward becoming a consistent playoff contender.

The organization has spent years building a young, skilled blue line capable of growing alongside its emerging forward group. By locking up Mintyukov, Anaheim ensures another key member of that defensive core remains in place as the team enters the next phase of its competitive window. If the Ducks are going to contend in the Western Conference in the coming years, Mintyukov’s offensive upside and continued development will play an important role in that process.

Main Photo: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

About Ken Culbertson

Primarily covering the Anaheim Ducks for Last Word on Sports. Trying to bring a fresh, sometimes satirical, look at the storied franchise. Occasionally covering other teams and players around the NHL. Former college ice hockey player/benchwarmer. Current beer leaguer.