Hinds still has some long-term appeal because the size and skating tools are there, and there were signs of better composure this season when handling pressure and choosing his spots to activate. The reads remain a work in progress, but the overall profile points to a possible NHL path if the decision-making continues to improve. For fantasy purposes, though, the upside looks modest, with the most likely outcome being a depth defender rather than a player with meaningful offensive value.

Hinds is the dependable Swiss Army knife the San Diego Gulls rely on to fill any role. He has continued to improve defensively and physically each season, and he now appears ready for his first stint in the NHL. Hinds’ game is challenging to describe in any other way than a true two-way player who you know can get the job done anywhere and everywhere. He possesses an excellent ability to get pucks through traffic and on the net from the blue line. He is relentless and bold, frequently found deep in the offensive zone, either carrying the puck or pressuring opponents with his forecheck. Hinds’ best attribute may be his first pass, as he consistently transitions play from defense to offense with efficiency and haste. His overall style already fits well within the Ducks’ current structure. Hinds is entering the final year of his entry-level contract, and both he and the organization will likely want to use this season to evaluate his NHL readiness ahead of contract negotiations. For fantasy managers, Hinds will be a hard sell as he will not produce in any category more than average, and with competition on the Ducks’ crowded blue line, earning a roster spot will be challenging. He is worth monitoring in deeper formats, but is not worthy of using a roster spot to stash him until a clearer path opens up.

Hinds had a strong season with the dominant Sherbrooke Phoenix in the QMJHL this past year. He set career highs in every offensive category and posted an unbelievable +61 rating through 56 games. However, he was indeed a beneficiary of the other star players on his team. Hinds was a point-per-game defenseman; he still finished ninth in points on the Phoenix. Hinds is a big defenseman who can contribute at both ends of the ice. He scored two goals in seven games during the World Junior Championships, helping Team Canada win the gold medal.

Hinds was a third-round pick in the 2021 Entry Draft. The Ducks brass liked him so much they moved a future third-round pick to select him. Usually, when teams do that, they are high on that player. So far, that gamble has paid off. Just a year and a half later, Hinds has been selected to play for Team Canada at the 2023 World Junior Championship. He is a big defenseman who can contribute at both ends of the ice. With Anaheim’s history of developing defensemen, Hinds could be another mid-round gem found by the Ducks’ scouting staff.