Prospect Update: Tyson Hinds

By Thomas Harrington

Anaheim chose defenseman Tyson Hinds in the third round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, 76th overall. He made his professional debut this past season and spent the entire year playing for the San Diego Gulls.

Hinds played in 71 games this past season. He was scratched for one game in mid-November. Hinds is a player more known for his defensive play than his offensive ability; he finished the season with two goals and 10 points. He was primarily used on the team’s second and third defensive pairings and saw time on the penalty kill as well. Hinds recorded his first career assist in his second career game, and scored his first career goal in December. He recorded a career-high two assists against Iowa in late January.

I had two expectations for Hinds last summer. First, for him to help stabilize San Diego’s backend. The Gulls were a mess defensively in the 2022-2023 season, giving up 281 goals. This past season, they weren’t great but they were better, giving up 245 goals. He didn’t make a huge difference, but I do think Hinds made San Diego’s defense better and passed this expectation. Second, while I didn’t expect much offense out of Hinds, I was hoping to see some of the offensive ability he showed in his final year of juniors. 10 points is a little short of what I was hoping for, but not that far off.

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Hinds will be back with the Gulls this coming season. Depending on what happens at training camp, there could be room in Anaheim for another young defenseman, but I don’t think this is the year for Hinds to grab that spot. However, if he can play some great defensive hockey for the Gulls and the Ducks need some help on the backend, he has a chance to get a game or two with the Ducks later in the season. But I think he has a better chance to make his NHL debut in the 2025-2026 season.

I have a few expectations for Hinds in his second professional season. First, for him to once again play in most, if not all, of San Diego’s games. Second, for him to set new career highs in goals and points. Finally, for him to spend more time as one of San Diego’s top four defensemen and less time on the bottom pair. It would be great if he could make his NHL debut, but I don’t think he’s at the point where that should be one of his expectations.

Hinds has two years left on his entry-level contract. When it’s over, I think it likely the Ducks will extend him by a year or two, especially if he’s made his way to the NHL. However, if he struggles and regresses over the next couple of seasons, then the Ducks could choose to not qualify him and let him leave as a free agent.

The next prospect update will be on forward Carey Terrance.

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Graduated Prospect: Drew Helleson

Prospect Update: Jaxsen Wiebe

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August 4th, 2024