The Anaheim Ducks have made a strategic move in securing Tyson Hinds' services for the upcoming 2026-27 season, signing him to a two-year, $1.8 million contract with a $900,000 average annual value (AAV). This decision comes as a response to the team's need to bolster their defensive depth, a concern that has been lingering despite other recent developments. Hinds, a 23-year-old defenseman, was drafted by the Ducks in the 2021 NHL Draft, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
Hinds' junior career was a journey in itself, starting with the QMJHL's Shawinigan Cataractes, then a trade to the Rimouski Océanic during the 2020-21 season, and finally concluding with the Sherbrooke Phoenix. His most impressive season at the junior level came during his final year with the Phoenix, where he scored 11 goals and 54 points in 56 games, achieving a remarkable +61 rating. However, the professional ranks have presented a different challenge for Hinds.
In his first two seasons with the AHL's San Diego Gulls, Hinds struggled to replicate his junior success, finishing with a combined total of six goals and 28 points in 142 games, accompanied by a -17 rating. This trend continued into the next season, with four goals and 18 points in 71 games and a -9 rating. Despite these initial challenges, Hinds showed signs of improvement in the most recent season, scoring five goals and 19 points in 62 AHL games, along with a +16 rating. His performance caught the eye of the Ducks, leading to the one-way contract.
Hinds made his NHL debut with the Ducks, playing six games and averaging 15:37 of ice time without recording a point. His defensive metrics were solid, and he demonstrated a willingness to engage physically. With the current roster composition, Hinds is likely to be the team's seventh defenseman on the opening night roster or could find a role on the bottom pairing, potentially replacing Ian Moore on the right side. This move by the Ducks highlights their commitment to addressing defensive depth concerns and their faith in Hinds' potential development.
In my opinion, the Ducks' decision to sign Hinds is a calculated move that addresses a critical need while also showing faith in a player with room for growth. Hinds' journey from junior to professional ranks has been a learning curve, but his recent improvements and the team's commitment to his development suggest a promising future. The Ducks are taking a calculated risk, and it remains to be seen if Hinds will become a cornerstone of their defensive strategy.
