The 23-year-old defenseman made his NHL debut this past season, appearing in six regular season games.
The Ducks have signed another RFA to a contract extension. This time, its defenseman Tyson Hinds, who made his NHL debut towards the end of the regular season. Hinds appeared in six regular season games and nine Stanley Cup Playoff games as part of the third defensive pair.
With Olen Zellweger dealt to the Buffalo Sabres and Pavel Mintyukov recently signed to a five-year contract extension, the Ducks appear to have their left side of the blue line solidified for the upcoming season. Hinds’ contract extension is for two years. It’s a one-way deal with an AAV of $900,000.
After playing most of the season in the AHL with the San Diego Gulls, Hinds was recalled on April 4, making his NHL debut that night against the Calgary Flames. He impressed in his debut, playing alongside John Carlson and finishing the game with over 23 minutes of time on ice. He was paired primarily with Drew Helleson for the rest of the regular season and into the playoffs, prioritized over Zellweger during the postseason for his defensive-minded approach.
Every indication is that Hinds will have priority for a regular lineup spot heading into the 2026-27. Tristan Luneau, who he spent most of the season playing alongside in the AHL, is also expected to be given plenty of rope as he too competes for full-time spot on the NHL roster. It’s possible that they could form one of the Ducks’ three defensive pairs.
With $9 million in projected cap space (per PuckPedia) remaining, the Ducks still have a few RFAs left to sign, namely budding star Cutter Gauthier. A decision for Leo Carlsson’s five-year, $90 million offer sheet from the Flyers looms on Friday, though the projected cap space takes his cap hit into account. However, Gauthier’s eventual extension will leave general manager Pat Verbeek with very little wiggle room to operate with for any further additions.
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