67’s Pavel Mintyukov adjusting well to life in Ottawa

There’s a lot more to being traded in the Ontario Hockey League than meets the eye.

When the Ottawa 67’s acquired defenceman Pavel Mintyukov from the Saginaw Spirit at the trade deadline, it began his process of finding a new home. It saw him move to a brand new city, living with a different family he had never met before, and adjusting to a fundamentally different schedule with the Barber Poles, who, unlike many other junior hockey teams, practice in the morning.

Billeting with fellow defenceman Derek Smyth, the pair have found a handful of similar interests that they have bonded over. Both take a keen interest in fashion, carefully crafting their outfits, whether on game day or at the mall. Their fashion sense, however, is quite different.

“He’s got more of the North American style, I like the European,” Mintyukov said.

Even where they differ, they have found areas where they agree. Their feet are among the freshest in the league, and off the ice, you’ll always find them rocking a stylish pair of shoes.

But Smyth has been more than just a good friend to shop for shoes with, he has been key in Mintyukov’s transition to life with the 67’s. With the change to early morning practice, gym sessions, and other team obligations, Smyth has been something of a personal chauffeur for the Russian, ensuring both of them get where they need to be.

“He’s driving me everywhere,” Mintykov said. “I’ve just been following him around and living on his schedule, and he helps me a lot.”

When Mintykov first arrived after the trade, Smyth took him on a small tour of the city, where they found another one of their similarities: their taste in music. They bonded over rap music, including artists such as Future and Sleepy Hallow. It helped them grow closer, and allowed Mintyukov to feel comfortable quickly.

For as challenging as the process could have been, Mintykov says that it has been seamless thus far, acknowledging that all of the helping hands made that possible.

“It’s not something new for me,” Mintyukov said of getting used to a new situation. “I got used to it pretty quickly, especially with the help of so many people.”

If transitioning to a different way of living wasn’t hard enough for a 19-year-old, the added challenge of an on-ice philosophy made it even harder. Known for his dominant offence in Saginaw, a place where he scored 54 points, including 16 goals, in 37 games, Mintyukov was asked to take on a more defensive role with the Barber Poles.

67’s Head Coach Dave Cameron called him into his office early in his tenure in Ottawa, where he told Mintyukov how he wanted him to play. Immediately, he took notice of the smooth-skating defenceman’s professionalism.

“The first things I want to know are if the player is coachable, and do they want to get better?” Cameron said. “We knew right from day one that he wanted to get better. It’s a coach’s delight to have a player like Pavel.”

Cameron noted that it wasn’t just the 67’s that wanted to see him worry about his own zone a little bit more, it’s what the Anaheim Ducks, who spent the 10th overall pick on Mintykov in 2022, were looking to see as well.

“The other thing that added a little bit of credence to it was that Anaheim [wanted it too],” Cameron said. “He’s a smart guy, he knows that his skill is what got him drafted so high, but it’s his complete game that’s going to take him to the NHL.”

It’s a change that Mintykov has taken in stride. Not only has he been an important piece to the 67’s offence, scoring seven goals and 24 points in his 24 games with Ottawa, but he has been integral defensively, playing in the game’s biggest moments, and on the penalty kill.

“It’s more like an NHL system,” Mintyukov said. “It’s a good head start on my preparation [to go pro].”

Acquiring Mintyukov in exchange for nine draft picks was a signal that the 67’s are hoping to make a deep run in the playoffs. Now comfortable with his surroundings, he can’t help but look forward to the prospect.

“I’m so excited,” Mintyukov said. “It’s my first time in the playoffs, so I can’t wait.”