Prospect Update: Pavel Mintyukov

By Thomas Harrington

Anaheim’s first pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, defenseman Pavel Mintyukov, completed his final year of juniors, splitting time between the Saginaw Spirit and the Ottawa 67’s of the OHL.

Mintyukov started the year out playing for Saginaw and put up some truly ridiculous offensive numbers. In just 37 games, he scored 16 goals and 54 points. Despite being traded mid-season, he still finished fourth on the team in points, and the leader only had 56. His 38 assists were tied for second on the team. Mintyukov was traded for three second round picks, four third round picks, and two fourth round picks. With Ottawa, Mintyukov’s offense wasn’t quite as explosive, but that’s primarily because he was putting more of a focus on his defensive game, which will help make him a better overall player down the line. He still scored eight goals and 34 points in 32 games. Overall, he finished the year with 24 goals and 88 points in 69 games. He finished 14th in the OHL in scoring and led all defensemen in points and assists, while finishing second in goals.

If Russia had been allowed to participate in the World Juniors Tournament, there’s little question that he would have been on the team. He became the first defenseman in OHL history to be named the OHL Defenseman of the Month three straight times, winning it in October, November, and December. He was named the OHL Defenseman of the Year, to the OHL First All-Star Team, and to the CHL Second All-Star Team at the end of the season. Ottawa lost in the second round in six games to the Peterborough Petes. Mintyukov recorded nine assists in 11 playoff games.

Usually, for a player coming out of Canadian junior hockey, they would need to play in the CHL for four years before being eligible for the AHL. However, because Mintyukov will be 20 before January 1st, he is eligible to play for the Gulls this year. As a result, even if he isn’t ready for the NHL this year, Mintyukov should be making his pro debut with the San Diego Gulls.

Similar to Olen Zellweger, while I think there’s a chance that Mintyukov makes his NHL debut this year, I won’t have that as one of my expectations for him. Instead I have two expectations for him with the Gulls this year. First, I want him to play in San Diego’s top four by the end of the season. It’s fine if he’s on the bottom pairing to start the season, but I’d like to see him work his way up the lineup as the year goes on. Second, for him to be used in all situations, including the powerplay and penalty kill units, when San Diego’s net is empty, and when the opposition’s net is empty. 

Mintyukov is currently signed to a three-year entry-level deal, and he’ll be a restricted free agent when it’s over. Even if Mintyukov isn’t consistently playing in the NHL by the time it’s over, the Ducks will still almost assuredly extend him when the time comes. As a top 10 pick, the Ducks will do everything they can to make sure he succeeds and becomes an impact player in the NHL. Even if he’s not there in a few years, they won’t be giving up on him and letting him walk for nothing. Hopefully that will not be an issue and he’s an NHL regular when his contract is up. If so, he could be looking at a bridge deal or a long-term commitment if the Ducks like how he’s progressed.

With the prospect updates complete, next up I’ll be ranking the strength of Anaheim’s prospect positions.

Related Articles:

Prospect Update: Tristan Luneau

Prospect Update: Pavol Regenda

Prospect Update: Nathan Gaucher

Prospect Update: Sasha Pastujov

Prospect Update: Olen Zellweger

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September 19th, 2023