Avalanche Sign Defenseman Malinski to Four-Year Contract Extension
The Colorado Avalanche have officially extended the contract of defenseman Sam Malinski for four more years. The announcement was made on Tuesday, revealing a total deal worth $19 million. Malinski’s new contract carries a cap hit of $4.75 million, a considerable increase from his current salary of $1.4 million.
About Sam Malinski
At 27 years old, Malinski has showcased his talent on ice this season with impressive statistics. He has participated in 50 games with the Avalanche, where he has netted three goals and set a career-high with 21 assists. His performance has earned him a noteworthy plus-26 rating while averaging 16:43 minutes of ice time.
Background and Early Career
- Hometown: Lakeville, Minnesota
- College: Cornell University
- Professional Signing: Joined Colorado as a college free agent in March 2023
General Manager Chris MacFarland praised Malinski, stating, “Sam is a hard-working defenseman with great skating and puck-moving ability. His commitment to the defensive side of the game has turned him into a reliable defenseman for us.” This contract ensures Malinski’s place with Colorado for the next four seasons.
NHL Career Overview
Throughout his NHL career, Malinski has played a total of 149 regular-season games, contributing 11 goals and 38 assists, accumulating 49 points. In the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he played five games, recording one assist and finishing with a plus-3 rating. Unfortunately, the Avalanche were eliminated in Game 7 by the Dallas Stars.
Current Season Performance
This season, the Colorado Avalanche boasts a remarkable 35-6-9 record, currently leading the league with 79 points from 50 games played. Malinski’s contributions have been pivotal in maintaining this competitive edge.
