Entering the season, it looked like Pavel Mintyukov and his unique game would require a year to adjust to the rigours and stylistic changes of pro hockey. 

Try a few weeks. 

Mintyukov quickly shone in NHL preseason and earned a role for the regular season. He adapted his game quickly but never lost the skills that made him EP Rinkside’s No. 10-ranked affiliated prospect.

Just past the halfway point of the season, Mintyukov looks like a soon-to-be top-pair defenceman, capable of controlling the first power play unit and providing defensive value. 

At the core, Mintyukov’s success has come from instantly translating his activation game, streamlining his puck game, and ramping up the defensive physicality – all without losing his vision, skill, and confidence. Already, he's one of the best advant