Prospect Update: Tyson Hinds

By Thomas Harrington

Drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the third round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, defenseman Tyson Hinds spent all of last season playing for the San Diego Gulls.

This was Hinds’ second year in the AHL, and he finished with four goals and 18 points in 71 games, beating out the two goals and 10 points he had scored as a rookie. He’s more known for his defensive play, so it was nice to see Hinds getting involved a little more offensively this past season. He led San Diego’s defense in games played while finishing fourth in goals and third in assists and points. Hinds spent most of the year playing on the second and third pairings and had a career high three points against Tucson in January. He was also called up to Anaheim a couple of times but didn’t play in any games with the Ducks.

I had three expectations for Hinds last summer, and he met two of them. First, I wanted him to once again play in most of San Diego’s games, and he only missed one game all season. Second, even though he’s not known for his offensive production, I was hoping for him to set a career high in goals and points, which he was able to do. Unfortunately, he missed the last one where I wanted him to spend more time among San Diego’s top four and less time on the bottom pairing. However, part of this is likely attributed to how many different defensive partners he had throughout the season.

Hinds will be back with the San Diego Gulls this season. However, there’s a chance he makes his NHL debut this year as well. He won’t make Anaheim’s roster out of training camp, but if he’s playing well enough with San Diego, there’s a chance he could get some time with the Ducks, depending on what their needs are. Injuries will happen to Anaheim’s blueline, and if the Ducks are in need of a more defensive player who can log some penalty kill time, then Hinds would be the likely candidate. It almost happened for him last year when he was called up a couple of times.

I have a few expectations for Hinds this coming season. First, for him to continue to play in a majority of San Diego’s games. He’s been very durable over his two professional seasons and I’d like to see that continue. Second, for him to not only be called up to Anaheim but make his NHL debut. He’s not ready for significant action with the Ducks, but I think he’s good enough to get at least a game or two in the NHL. Finally, for his offensive game to continue to improve.

I don’t think Hinds is knocking on the NHL’s door, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him suit up for a game or two this season. If not, then I think he definitely will in the 2026-2027 season. The question then becomes how soon is he ready for a full time NHL job. That’s a little harder to answer, especially with how many young, left-handed defensemen are already on Anaheim’s roster.

Hinds has one year left on his entry-level deal and he’ll be a restricted free agent next summer. Even if he spends the entire year in San Diego, I fully expect Hinds to be qualified and extended a year from now. I think the only way that doesn’t happen is if his play really regresses and he spends most of the year in the ECHL. I would expect his contract to be a two-way deal or a year or two.

The next prospect update will be on defenseman Noah Warren.

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August 24th, 2025