Ducks Secure Mintyukov Extension Amid Contract Drama

Mintyukov Lands Five‑Year, $36 Million Deal

Pavel Mintyukov has committed to the Anaheim Ducks through the 2030‑31 season with a five‑year, $36 million contract. The 22‑year‑old Russian defenseman was a restricted free agent after posting 17 goals and 52 assists in 204 NHL games over his first three campaigns. Mintyukov, the 10th overall pick in the 2022 draft, has secured a deal that is unusually costly for his current role. The agreement arrived just two days after the Ducks mishandled negotiations with their cornerstone center.

Carlsson’s $90 Million Offer Sheet Shocks the League

Swede Leo Carlsson signed a five‑year, $90 million offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers, dwarfing any previous contract in the league for a 21‑year‑old. The deal is front‑loaded at $18 million per year and will make Carlsson the highest‑paid player in the NHL next season. Anaheim must decide by Friday whether to match the offer or receive four first‑round draft picks as compensation. The situation has become a public embarrassment for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek.

Verbeek’s Troubled Contract History

Pat Verbeek’s hardline stance has already cost the Ducks several young talents. Mason McTavish, Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale all held out during training camp under his watch, only to be dealt later. In the past month, the organization lost four veteran defensemen—Radko Gudas, Jacob Trouba, John Carlson and Olen Zellweger—replacing them with journeyman Nick Jensen. Cutter Gauthier, a 41‑goal scorer, also remains unsigned, though he can be signed without an offer sheet.

Future Outlook: Cap Crunch and Roster Adjustments

The combined commitments to Mintyukov, Gauthier and likely Carlsson will consume nearly all of Anaheim’s salary‑cap space, leaving little room for further upgrades. Verbeek will almost certainly have to shed salary to stay within limits, which could affect the team’s competitiveness in upcoming seasons. Despite the recent contract turmoil, the Ducks ended a seven‑year playoff drought and shocked the Edmonton Oilers in the first round under coach Joel Quenneville. Whether the new deals can sustain that momentum remains uncertain as the July deadline approaches.