Ducks Trade Rumors: Defenceman Pavel Mintyukov wants out of Anaheim

We're at the quarter mark of the 2025-26 NHL season, and it appears we have an early trade request. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Anaheim Ducks defenceman Pavel Mintyukov has informed the team he'd like to be moved. 

Friedman wrote about the Ducks defenceman in his latest 32 Thoughts blog:

After back-to-back healthy scratches, word filtered that Ducks defenceman Pavel Mintyukov would like to be moved if he’s not going to play. He has fallen behind Jackson LaCombe and Olen Zellweger on the left side of Anaheim’s defence. Ian Moore, who had a strong camp, was elevated in Mintyukov’s place. This is the 10th overall pick in the 2022 draft, so Ducks GM Pat Verbeek will not be rushed into anything. Something to keep an eye on.

Mintyukov, 21, is signed for this season at $918,333, and is a pending restricted free agent. He was originally a 10th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft and has yet to be given a regular shot at the lineup in Anaheim. 

This season through 18 games, he's recorded just three assists, and throughout his three seasons with the Ducks, has appeared in 149 games, scoring nine goals and adding 41 assists. He's averaging 15:19 of ice-time per game this year, and doesn't see any time on the power play, and is used as a depth penalty killer. He's landed 10 hits and has blocked 17 shots.

The Carolina Hurricanes need help on their blueline, so could emerge as a trade partner. The Toronto Maple Leafs are going through it with the injury bug, so depending on timelines for Brandon Carlo and Chris Tanev, there could be a trade to consider here.

There's no doubt Verbeek will hear from other teams now that word has hit the streets. With Anaheim exceeding expectations this year, they won't be looking to rid themselves of Mintyukov for nothing, and likely will look for a top-nine forward who is roughly the same age and has some untapped potential to their game.

Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images