Report: Avalanche sign Sam Malinski to one-year deal

Once viewed as one of the top undrafted college free agents in 2023, Malinski has spent his entire NHL career with the Avs. The 26-year-old defender has 25 points in 199 career games over two seasons, including 15 points in 76 games this past year. Malinski had 27 points in 46 games with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles last year while also registering another 10 points in 23 games.

Used primarily in a third-pairing role, Malinski averaged 15:57 in ice time while blocking 107 shots this year. Prior to turning pro, Malinski built himself an impressive resume at Cornell University. In three seasons with the school, Malinski won an ECAC regular season title, was named to the ECAC’s first all-star team twice and made it onto the NCAA’s All-Ivy League team in 2023.

Stylistically, Malinski is a speedy defender who loves to move the puck, and isn’t afraid to get physical despite standing at 5-foot-11.

According to PuckPedia, the Avalanche has $7.55 million in cap space heading into July 1. Malinksi is one of six defenders signed by the Avalanche for next year, with Ryan Lindgren, Tucker Poolman and Erik Johnson all set to become UFA’s on Tuesday. Malinski will be a UFA next summer. Other UFAs include Jimmy Vesey, Jonathan Drouin and Joel Kiviranta.

The Avalanche finished third in the Central Division this past year, but ultimately was eliminated from the first round of the playoffs after losing to the Dallas Stars in Game 7.