Ducks Re-Sign Mintyukov to Five-Year Deal Worth $7.2 Million AAV

The Anaheim Ducks re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Pavel Mintyukov to a five-year contract on Sunday. The agreement carries a $7.2 million average annual value against the salary cap, according to sources familiar with the deal. Mintyukov, 22, has recorded 69 points in 204 NHL games over three seasons.

Contract details Mintyukov posted career highs of eight goals and 112 blocked shots in 73 games last season. The Ducks selected the Moscow native in the first round of the NHL draft. The signing follows a turbulent stretch for the Ducks' front office.

When free agency opened Wednesday, two veteran defensemen departed for other teams. Two days later, center Leo Carlsson signed a five-year offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers carrying an $18 million AAV. The Ducks have until Friday to match or receive four first-round picks as compensation.

Mintyukov's new contract leaves the team with roughly $9.973 million in projected cap space if they retain Carlsson. Restricted free agent forward Cutter Gauthier is expected to command more than $10 million annually on his next deal.

Background and context An NHL source said Mintyukov remained committed to staying in Anaheim despite external interest. He had been viewed as a potential offer-sheet target given the team's constrained cap position. >"The Mintyukov signing comes during a tumultuous offseason for the Ducks' front office, led by general manager Pat Verbeek." — Greg Wyshynski, ESPN, Jul 5, 2026