PAVEL MINTYUKOV

Defenseman
6’1/192
Left
Saginaw Spirit/OHL

Related: Maveric Lamoureux

Pavel Mintyukov is an offensively minded blueliner with good size and has the potential to be a game-changer from the back-end. In the midst of his first full season in North America, Pavel Mintyukov has produced very well on the scoresheet as he currently ranks third among draft-eligible OHL defencemen in points, with 40 points in 50 OHL games. While the offensive production may be a selling point to NHL scouts, he has some other intriguing aspects to his game that could make him a top-pair defenseman in the league. For this reason, he may very be a top 20 pick in the draft.

Size/Strength Good
Skating Elite
Shot/Scoring Great
Puckhandling Great
Physical Play Good
Offensive Play Great
Defensive Play Good
Hockey Sense Great
Competitiveness Great

Strengths

1. An elite skater, he’s got that elite calmness under pressure that makes him special.
2. Has good size and physical build, with tools to be an effective two way defenseman.
3. Offensive instincts in the offensive zone make hime an ideal powerplay quarterback.

Areas of Improvement

1. Has plenty of room to grow and improve on the defensive end.
2. His game is still pretty raw right now.

Scouting Report

At 6-1 and 192 pounds, Pavel Mintyukov has the size and the physical build to be an NHL Defenseman. His offensive style of play is something we have gotten used to in this new era of two-way defencemen. His skating, offensive instincts, and powerplay game are areas of strength for him, as he constantly jumps up into the rush and helps his team in creating offense. Mintyukov’s an elite skater, can do everything with his head up, and is really evasive.
When he’s under pressure he can manipulate the situation and manipulate the outcome for possession play, so his desire to want to make plays and hold pucks is good. He’s got that elite calmness under pressure and his skating ability, combined with that, makes him special.
Mintyukov plays a disciplined game and is physical when he has to be but doesn’t take himself out of the play to make big hits. While his defensive game has plenty of room for improvement, he possesses the physical tools and smarts to build and develop a better two-way game in the future. Mintyukov has the potential to be the unicorn type player who can play well offensively and defensively, similar to Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, who would be my NHL Comparable for him. While Mintyukov’s game is fairly raw at the moment, his upside and potential could make him worthy of being a first-round pick.

Skill: Offensive minded defenseman with great instincts and elite skating ability

NHL Comparison: Cale Makar

NHL Potential: Top Pair Offensive Defenseman

Season	Team	League	GP	G	PTS
2019-20	MHK Dynamo Moskva	MHL	33	1	3
	Russia U17	WHC-17	6	0	5
2020-21	Saginaw Spirit	OHL	0	0	0
2021-22	Saginaw Spirit	OHL	50	10	40