The Anaheim Ducks have secured defenseman Pavel Mintyukov on a five-year contract extension, aiming to prevent him from receiving an offer sheet from another NHL team. The deal carries an average annual value of $7.2 million against the salary cap.

Mintyukov, the 10th overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft, has accumulated 69 points in 204 games over his three seasons. Last year, he posted a career-best eight goals and 112 blocked shots.

This signing occurs amidst a challenging offseason for the Ducks' front office, led by general manager Pat Verbeek. They recently lost defensemen John Carlson and Jacob Trouba in free agency and are now facing a significant decision on center Leo Carlsson's $18 million AAV offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers. If the Ducks match Carlsson's offer, they will have limited cap space, especially with Cutter Gauthier also due for a substantial contract after leading the team with 41 goals and 69 points last season.