2 Young Anaheim Ducks Who Could Become Trade Candidates In 2025-26

The Anaheim Ducks may be on the verge of a couple of their young defensemen looking for a change in scenery as Olen Zellweger and Pavel Mintyukov were reportedly unhappy by being in and out of the lineup so often. Mintyukov played 68 games and Zellweger got into 62.

The defense of the Ducks isn't even crowded for next season as it stands right now, so this should be less of a problem. But, Tristan Luneau is quickly on his way and will get into the lineup if he's called up. Mintyukov played 1:15 less per game than his rookie season in Anaheim while Zellweger played 19 fewer seconds. With Cam Fowler and Brian Dumoulin gone, the 21-year-olds should see more ice time.

According to Derek Lee, teams were calling about the two young defensemen already this offseason regarding trades and general manager Pat Verbeek told them no. Both Mintyukov and Zellweger are very talented and the Ducks are building something good. Jacob Trouba and Radko Gudas both have one final year on their deals, and then ice time will really be up for grabs for the two young d-men who should take steps forward this season.

Trading one of them now, with space in the lineup, would be a big misstep as there is plenty of room to grow in Anaheim next season. Both require more time in the NHL and need to be everyday defensemen in 2025-26. Both are very capable of succeeding in Anaheim alongside Luneau and Jackson LaCombe.

If the Ducks add a free agent defenseman or bring in someone in a trade, then there will be more concern with last season repeating itself a little bit for both Mintyukov or Zellweger. Eventually, one of them is going to take a bigger step forward than the other, but trading them immediately puts the Ducks at risk of choosing wrong. They have the space and should give both lots of opportunities this season before either get more frustrated and actually ask for a trade.