Mintyukov Wins OHL Defenseman of the Year, Gives Ducks Chance at History

Ducks prospect Pavel Mintyukov has been named the Ontario Hockey League's Defenseman of the Year for the 2022-23 season. The tenth overall pick in last summer's NHL Draft, Mintyukov joins fellow Ducks prospect Tristan Luneau (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League) as winners of their respective league's award and sets up Anaheim for a chance at NHL/CHL history.

Mintyukov took home OHL Defenseman of the Year honors after a standout season split between Saginaw and Ottawa. The 6-foot-1 blueliner became the first player in the OHL's 90-year history to win Defenseman of the Month for three straight months.

Mintyukov led all OHL defensemen in points (88) and assists (64), and finished second in goals (24).

"I am extremely honoured to receive such a prestigious award," Mintyukov said. "This would not have been possible without the support of everyone around me. A huge thank you goes out to my family as well as both the Ottawa 67's and Saginaw Spirit organizations consisting of all of my teammates, and coaching staffs."

"Throughout the 2022-23 season, Pavel exhibited his tremendous skill, energy, and passion for the game, each and every day," 67's General Manager James Boyd added via the OHL's official release. "His positive impacts as a teammate, and leader extend beyond the ice surface. It is great to see Pavel receive this well-deserved, prestigious recognition."

With Luneau and Mintyukov taking home hardware, the Ducks became the third NHL team and the first in the last 14 years to have two prospects named a CHL Defenseman of the Year in the same season.

Anaheim will have the chance to complete the sweep later today, when reigning Western Hockey League Defenseman of the Year Olen Zellweger could officially defend his crown.

Zellweger, who led all WHL defenders in points per game and assists, would become the sixth player in WHL history to repeat as Defenseman of the Year.

If he wins, Anaheim would also become the first team in NHL history to have a prospect win the Defenseman of the Year award in all three Canadian Hockey Leagues. It would also guarantee a Ducks prospect would take home the CHL Defenseman of the Year award, with the three finalists all destined for pro hockey in Anaheim.