The Anaheim Ducks are turning heads throughout the league. Their 4-3 overtime home win against the Las Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night pushed their record to 14-7-1. With 29 points through 22 games, Anaheim sits atop the Pacific Division. It’s a reversal few forecasted before the season began, when their odds to win the Western Conference hovered near +8000—now those odds have closed to around +2200, according to the best sportsbooks listed by the Action Network. What’s happening in Orange County deserves attention, particularly with one of the team’s top prospects now making headlines.
Early-season success isn’t shielding the Ducks from internal friction. Defenseman Pavel Mintyukov, selected 10th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, finds himself at the center of trade rumors. The 21-year-old Russian blueliner, considered a significant piece of the club’s future, has made clear his frustration with limited ice time. This has led to speculation about his future with the franchise, raising questions about how Anaheim’s front office will balance a player’s development with team chemistry during a winning campaign.
Duck’s Dilemma: Balancing Growth and Contention
Mintyukov’s situation is complex. On the one hand, Anaheim’s blue line features veteran leaders and steady minute-eaters, making it difficult for a young player to carve out a bigger role. On the other hand, Mintyukov’s promise is the very reason the organization drafted him in the top-10. He’s logged solid performances in a third-pairing capacity, but hasn’t consistently cracked the top four. Sources close to the team say Mintyukov wants more responsibility and believes he can help in bigger game situations.
General manager Pat Verbeek faces a classic bind: accommodate a prospect’s growth or stick to what’s working in the short term. Verbeek, a former NHL defenseman himself, is said to be empathetic but practical. No one in management wants to rush a trade for a young, cost-controlled asset, especially one with clear upside. Unless a team meets Anaheim’s substantial asking price—likely including prospects or high draft capital—a deal isn’t on the immediate horizon.
The coaching staff has maintained, both publicly and behind closed doors, that Mintyukov’s development remains a priority. “He’s part of our future and our present,” one team official commented earlier this week. The challenge is balancing the urgency of a winning season with the need to give developing players meaningful ice.
Surfacing Interest: Blues and Canadiens
If the Ducks ever open the door to a trade, they won’t lack for suitors. Two teams stand out: the St. Louis Blues and the Montreal Canadiens. St. Louis, hovering near the playoff bubble, is always on the lookout for affordable blue line help. Montreal, meanwhile, aims to accelerate its rebuild and values young, upside-driven players on entry-level contracts.
The Canadiens present an intriguing option in any potential negotiation. They own extra draft capital, cap space, and have made it clear they’re willing to take calculated swings on players whose growth has slowed elsewhere. Mintyukov fits their profile, and league sources indicate Montreal has inquired about his availability over the past ten days.
For now, the Ducks are not in a rush. Their leverage rests in Mintyukov’s contract status and his high potential. While his camp may be restless, Anaheim’s resurgence provides some breathing room. The team’s strong start lessens the urgency to make immediate changes, and insiders expect Verbeek to listen, not chase, offers. Most around the league agree the Ducks can afford patience.