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Ducks Lock Down Defenseman Mintyukov
6 Jul
Summary
- Ducks signed Russian defenseman Mintyukov to a five-year contract.
- The deal has an average annual value of $7.2 million.
- This secures the left side of the Ducks' defense long-term.
The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Mintyukov to a five-year contract extension valued at $7.2 million annually. This agreement, which includes a signing bonus in the first year and a 10-team no-trade clause in the final year, ensures a stable left side of their defense. Mintyukov's defensive capabilities have notably improved, particularly in rush defense, positioning him as a crucial transition specialist.
This signing comes after Olen Zellweger was traded, solidifying Mintyukov's role. While his offensive output has hovered around 20 points, his defensive game is seen as a developing strength. The Ducks now project to have roughly $10 million in cap space, a figure that must accommodate potential offer sheet matches for Leo Carlsson and negotiations with Cutter Gauthier.
Further cap flexibility is anticipated next season with several large contracts expiring. Ducks management, led by General Manager Pat Verbeek, faces upcoming decisions on other restricted free agents. Fans await clarity on the team's strategy regarding Carlsson and Gauthier.
