Pavel Mintyukov, a Ducks rookie defenseman, has made a strong impact in the NHL this year despite missing 11 games earlier in the season due to a separated shoulder. He ranks third among rookie defensemen in points, assists, and points per game, and averages almost 19 minutes of ice-time per night.
In his first 60 career games, he has accumulated 28 points, placing him second in all-time points among Ducks defensemen, behind only teammate Cam Fowler. As of March 25, Mintyukov had registered points in three of his last four games, including his fourth career NHL goal scored in an OT loss to Tampa Bay.