The Anaheim Ducks have secured defenseman Pavel Mintyukov with a five-year contract extension reportedly worth $36 million, according to a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity. The deal, which extends through the 2030-31 season, was not officially disclosed in financial terms by the team. Mintyukov, 22, was a restricted free agent following a productive start to his NHL career, tallying 17 goals and 52 assists over 204 games in three seasons.

This agreement comes amid ongoing contract drama surrounding the Ducks’ young core, notably their key center Leo Carlsson. Carlsson signed a five-year, $90 million offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers, placing pressure on Anaheim to match the lucrative deal by Friday. The situation has drawn criticism toward Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek, whose delayed and contentious negotiation approach is seen as contributing to the team’s precarious position.

In other NHL contract news, forward Egor Chinakhov agreed to a three-year, $18.8 million deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Chinakhov, 25, split last season between the Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets, posting 21 goals and 21 assists. Additionally, Pittsburgh retained goaltender Arturs Silovs with a one-year contract valued at $2.8 million. Silovs, also 25, finished last season with a 19-12-8 record, a 3.07 goals-against average, and an .887 save percentage across 39 games, including 38 starts.

The Ducks’ recent move to secure Mintyukov signals an effort to stabilize their roster after the unexpected offer sheet for Carlsson has brought uncertainty to their young talent pipeline. How the team will respond to the Carlsson offer sheet in the coming days remains a focal point for both the organization and its fan base.