Pavel Mintyukov, the Anaheim Ducks’ defenseman, is seeking a transfer due to limited playing time. This request follows his recent pattern of being a healthy scratch, a situation he faced last season as well.
Pavel Mintyukov’s Situation in Anaheim
The Ducks recently saw the return of captain Radko Gudas, which brought their defensive roster to seven healthy players. As a result, Mintyukov has not played in the last two games. This mirrors his experience from the previous year when a high number of veteran defensemen forced him into a similar position.
Emergence of Young Talent
This season, the addition of Ian Moore, another young defenseman, has intensified competition among Anaheim’s blueliners. Moore’s responsible play and clean breakouts have contributed to Mintyukov losing his spot on the roster.
Mintyukov’s Career Stats
- 149 games played in the NHL
- 50 points (9 goals, 41 assists)
- 3 points (0 goals, 3 assists) in 18 games this season
- 28 points (4 goals, 24 assists) in 63 games last season
Even though Mintyukov had a promising rookie season, his performance this year has been affected by his time in the press box. Notably, he has not taken the necessary risks to thrive offensively, impacting his contributions to the team.
Trade Rumors Surrounding Mintyukov
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that if Mintyukov cannot find playing time soon, he would prefer a trade. He has slipped behind players like Jackson LaCombe and Olen Zellweger on the defensive depth chart, and his situation may only worsen if he remains sidelined.
Future Considerations
Ducks’ general manager Pat Verbeek is under no pressure to make an immediate decision regarding Mintyukov’s future. However, his value could depreciate with continued inactivity. At only 21 years old, Mintyukov still has potential as a two-way defenseman, and he is just four years removed from being the 10th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Any trade involving Mintyukov would mark him as the fourth top-ten pick from the 2022 draft to be moved after selection. For the Ducks, integrating young players and managing a roster full of talent remains a critical challenge this season.
