Pavel Mintyukov had an impressive rookie season with the Ducks, exceeding expectations by earning a spot on the NHL roster right out of training camp. He played 63 games, netting 4 goals, and accumulating 28 points while averaging 18:51 of ice time per game. His contribution extended beyond 5-on-5 play, as he logged significant minutes on both the power play—second among Ducks defensemen—and even saw time on the penalty kill.
However, like many of his teammates, his season was disrupted by injuries—a separated shoulder in January sidelined him for over a month, and a bone bruise in late March caused him to miss the final eight games. Still, his early season performances generated Calder Trophy buzz, with an impressive 8 points in his first 11 games, during one of the few winning stretches the Ducks had all season. Without the injury setbacks, Mintyukov might have threatened Cam Fowler’s franchise record for points by a rookie defenseman (40).
His season was punctuated by highlights, such as scoring his first NHL goal in just his second game and posting a career-high 3-point night against the Columbus Blue Jackets in February. Despite missing almost 20 games, Mintyukov still finished tied for 4th in assists among all rookies and 13th in points. Among rookie defensemen, he ranked 3rd in both categories, trailing only Brock Faber and Luke Hughes, who played full 82-game seasons.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Mintyukov?
When healthy, Mintyukov was a standout on the blue line, displaying maturity beyond his years. His ability to control the pace of the game and impact both ends of the ice was evident. Defensively, he excelled at breaking up plays in the neutral zone, forcing turnovers, and neutralizing rushes. Offensively, his vision and playmaking ability allowed him to push the tempo and create scoring chances. His creativity in generating offensive plays on the fly is one of his greatest strengths.
Mintyukov’s awareness on the ice has been key to his rapid development, and his confidence in rushing the puck or jumping into the attack without hesitation often turned the momentum in favor of the Ducks. Though this style occasionally led him to get caught out of position, he frequently used his speed to recover, often making a play with his stick—or as Matt Dumba found out, with a healthy hip check.
Like all young players, there are areas for Mintyukov to improve, particularly in winning battles around the net. However, his high hockey IQ, combined with his skills and mindset, make him a promising future No. 1 defenseman for Anaheim. As he continues to mature physically, filling out his frame, his ability to log heavy minutes in all situations will only grow.
2024-2025 Season Expectations
Heading into his sophomore season, Mintyukov is expected to take on an even larger role. He’ll likely lead his own power-play unit and could see increased responsibility on the penalty kill. A 10-goal, 40-point season seems well within reach, potentially making him the Ducks’ leading point-getter among defensemen. And, of course, I wouldn’t mind seeing him add another broken nose to his collection!
While he may not begin the season as Anaheim’s top defender, Mintyukov’s trajectory suggests he could assume that role before long. Especially if Cam Fowler is traded, which seems more likely than it ever has.
Related Post: The End of an Era: Cam Fowler’s Time with the Ducks Nears Its Conclusion
What are your expectations for Minty this season?
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