Addressing The Mintyukov Situation

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Pavel Mintyukov hasn’t played in the last three games. He has played in 18 total games so far this season with his last appearance coming against Minnesota on November 15th.

Elliotte Friedman weighed in on the situation in a 32 Thoughts article this past week. He said after sitting out for two games there was word on the street Mintyukov “would like to be moved if he’s not going to play.” He mentioned how the left side of the defense is currently occupied with Jackson LaCombe, Olen Zellweger, and Ian Moore.

Friedman also mentioned in that article and his recent 32 Thoughts podcast that General Manager Pat Verbeek will not be rushed into anything. He discussed how Verbeek would handle this “on his time” instead of being pushed into something. The philosophy of Verbeek has been for players to “earn your ice time” as Friedman noted in his podcast and he wonders if that’s the case here with Mintyukov.

This isn’t a new issue with the Ducks on the blue line. Last season Zellweger and Mintyukov were rotated in and out of the lineup leading up to the trade deadline. Brian Dumoulin was traded to make more room on the blue line. This season with the emergence of Moore there is a crowded field on defense again.

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There are a few options Anaheim can go with in this situation. First, they can rotate players in and out like they did last season. LaCombe, Jacob Trouba, and Radko Gudas are locked in the lineup each night. Zellweger has really gelled with Trouba so it might be best served to keep that pairing together. That would leave a possible three player rotation between Drew Helleson, Moore, and Mintyukov. Head Coach Joel Quenneville was asked about the situation and said, “He’ll (Mintyukov) get a turn.”

Another option would be to send Mintyukov to San Diego. He is exempt from waivers so there is no risk to losing him to another team. He would also be getting plenty of ice time and be an every night starter with the Gulls. Minty would be playing and getting more experience, albeit at the AHL level.

Lastly, a trade could be a third option. Mintyukov is a solid skater with offensive upside. As Friedman noted in his recent podcast there will be interest from other teams. Even if he is traded and the return isn’t another defenseman, Anaheim has several quality blue liners with the Gulls waiting for their call up to the NHL. Mintyukov’s agent has been in communication with Anaheim management, so this is something to keep an eye on.

So what’s the right answer? Any of the above options are viable, but sitting Mintyukov every night is certainty not the answer.

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Nov 21st, 2025