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NHL analyst links Penguins to former top-10 defenseman as Ducks evaluate his role
Photo credit: Pittsburgh Hockey Now
NHL analyst Jim Rixner revealed the Ducks are currently evaluating where Pavel Mintyukov fits into their plans, and the Penguins could be a trade partner.
Elliotte Friedman released another written version of his 32 Thoughts, and although it didn't include a ton of Penguins-specific reporting, one item involving Anaheim does carry potential implications for Pittsburgh.
"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."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
The reason Pavel Mintyukov could be made available by the Ducks
The Ducks appear to be at a crossroads with 21-year-old blueliner Pavel Mintyukov, with the former top-10 pick struggling to carve out a consistent role on their left side.
Clearly, Anaheim has made other young defensemen like Jackson LaCombe, Olen Zellweger, and Ian Moore its priority, leaving Mintyukov frustrated with how he's being deployed and fueling some speculation about his future.
Why the Penguins and Ducks could be familiar trade partners
The Penguins and Ducks have completed a number of notable trades in the past, but more often than not, under different management regimes.
Pat Verbeek sent Rickard Rakell to Pittsburgh via Ron Hextall, while the Marcus Pettersson-Daniel Sprong swap came under Jim Rutherford.
Kyle Dubas has yet to engage Anaheim in anything of consequence, but the roster fit here is self-evident, according to NHL analyst Jim Rixner.
The left side of the defence is still the big organisational weakness for Pittsburgh, and Mintyukov checks a lot of boxes: nearly 150 NHL games, strong puck-moving instincts, offensive upside, and the style to help transition play.
His defensive game still needs refinement, which may factor into his inconsistent standing in Anaheim, but that also suppresses cost, at least to an extent.
Any pursuit won't be cheap. Anaheim won't go low on a player with pedigree and term, and Pittsburgh may balk if the ask involves core prospects like Rutger McGroarty or Will Horcoff, with Ben Kindel trending toward near-untouchable status.
If Mintyukov is indeed made available, he meets the need and timeline. That perhaps isn't the expectation to be had, but it's one worth monitoring, and Dubas should at least make the call.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 20 | 33 ANSWERS NHL analyst links Penguins to former top-10 defenseman as Ducks evaluate his role Should the Penguins attempt to acquire Pavel Mintyukov? | ||
| Yes | 18 | 54.5 % |
| No | 15 | 45.5 % |
| List of polls | ||