Spirit receive nine picks from Ottawa in exchange for Mintyukov
Saginaw, Mich. – Saginaw Spirit GM Dave Drinkill announced Tuesday (Jan. 10) that the team has traded defenseman Pavel Mintyukov to the Ottawa 67’s in exchange for nine draft picks in the coming years.
Saginaw acquires the following picks in the trade:
Ottawa’s second-round pick in 2025, Soo’s second-round pick in 2025, Owen Sound’s second round pick in 2026, Soo’s third-round pick in 2024, Kingston’s third-round pick in 2024, Ottawa’s third-round pick in 2025, Windsor’s third-round pick in 2025, Ottawa’s fourth-round pick in 2025, and Ottawa’s fourth-round pick in 2026.
“This is a difficult deal to make,” said Drinkill. “We brought Pavel in through the import draft and watched him grow into the man and the elite player he is today. We’re so grateful to Pavel for his time spent in Saginaw and wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”
Mintyukov was acquired by the Spirit with the 52nd overall selection of the 2020 CHL Import Draft. The 19-year-old appeared in 104 games with the Saginaw Spirit, recording 116 points (33G, 83A) in that span. His 83 assists are tied with Tyler Murovich for 20th in Spirit history.
This season, Mintyukov became the first defenseman in OHL history to receive Defenseman of the Month honors in three consecutive months (October, November, and December). In 2022-2023 he recorded 16 goals, 38 assists, and 54 points in 37 games with Saginaw.
The Russian defenseman’s numbers currently lead all OHL blueliners in goals (16), assists (38), and points (54). He has the second best +/- among defensemen at +26. His 38 assists and 54 points are each third in the OHL among all skaters (forwards and defensemen).
The Saginaw Spirit currently sit 2nd in the West Division with 50 points and a 24-11-2-0 record. They head to Windsor for a battle with the Spitfires on Thursday, January 12. The puck drops at WFCU Centre at 7:05pm.
