The Toronto Maple Leafs currently sit in last place in the NHL’s Eastern Conference. After taking the eventual Stanley Cup champions to seven games in last year’s playoffs, things have gone completely off the rails in Toronto. Now, with injuries mounting, the Maple Leafs are scouring the NHL trade market to find a solution to their ongoing issues.
The Core Issue: Puck Movement Struggles
One of the biggest issues plaguing the Leafs this season has been an inability to move the puck out of their own zone. With a defense core built to keep the puck out of their net, they have sacrificed the ability to freely transition the puck to their forwards. Under the previous regime, the team valued puck movement over everything; it now feels the team has over-corrected.
With players like Simon Benoit, Brandon Carlo, Phillippe Myers, and to a lesser extent Chris Tanev and Jake McCabe, the Leafs have shifted to a defense-first mentality. It is a style that can work, but only if the defenders still possess the ability to put the puck on their forwards’ sticks. Consequently, the Leafs are now rumored to have interest in disgruntled Anaheim Ducks defender Pavel Mintyukov.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period shared the following update:
Scouting Report: What Mintyukov Brings
Mintyukov was the 10th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. At just 22 years old, he has already played in 150 NHL games, scoring 9 goals and adding 41 assists. For the Maple Leafs, Mintyukov fills a major need as a player who can run a powerplay with great offensive instincts. Throughout his career, he has proven his ability to break out of his own zone and join the rush effectively.
The Contract Situation
Mintyukov would also present a cost-controlled asset, a restricted free agent (RFA) at the end of the year with years of team control remaining. He is reportedly looking for a fresh start after falling down the Ducks’ depth chart behind Jackson Lacombe and Owen Zellweger. His recent lack of ice time may paradoxically be a benefit to the Leafs, as it limits his offensive output and ability to drive up his acquisition price based on current production.
The Risks: Buying High on a Distressed Asset?
Despite all the positives, adding Mintyukov presents some negatives as well.
Duck’s Leverage: While Mintyukov has made a trade request, the Ducks have no obligation to facilitate that move during the season. The Ducks currently sit 1st overall in the Pacific Division and don’t have to make a move at this time. This leverage allows Anaheim to ensure they receive an adequate return and avoid a knee-jerk move, likely raising the cost of acquisition.
Defensive Deficiencies: While his offensive skills are high-level, Mintyukov has always struggled in his own zone, a skill set highly valued by the current Leafs regime. Although he has recently shown some improvements in his defensive game, are the desperate Leafs willing to let a 22-year-old work through these deficiencies in the middle of a playoff chase?
The Verdict
Any team making a move for Mintyukov will have to understand that they’re buying high on a currently low-performing asset.
A trade for Mintyukov would be the definition of a high-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Maple Leafs. While the positives address a long-term need, the risks cannot be overlooked. The cost of acquiring Mintyukov will not be low, and GM Brad Treliving isn’t in a place where he can afford to swing and miss. The Leafs will have to weigh whether they believe Mintyukov has the tools to be a cornerstone member of their defense core, or if he is another gamble they can’t afford to lose.Â
In my opinion the only player that Mintyukov currently stylistically replaces is Morgan Rielly, a player very unlikely to be moved in season. With Craig Berube so committed to Simon Benoit, it’s difficult to see a path where a trade for Mintyukov makes any sense under the current coaching staff. If the Leafs however are willing to look for the future, building a defense core with a player like Mintyukov could work perfectly alongside someone like Ben Danford.Â