Avalanche Secure Sam Malinski with Four-Year Contract Extension
The Colorado Avalanche have officially secured defenseman Sam Malinski with a significant four-year contract extension valued at $4.75 million each season. This announcement was made on Tuesday morning by the club.
Sam Malinski: Career Overview
Currently 27 years old, Malinski has contributed three goals and 24 points while averaging 16:43 of ice time across 50 games in the current season. His previous contract was worth $1.4 million for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Management Expectations
Chris McFarland, the Avalanche’s general manager, praised Malinski. “Sam is a hard-working defenseman with excellent skating and puck-moving skills,” he noted. McFarland added that Malinski’s defensive commitment has made him a reliable asset for the team.
Background and Development
- Undrafted player
- Junior hockey with Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL)
- Three seasons at Cornell University
- Professional debut with Avalanche in 2023
Malinski, standing at 5’11”, is a right-handed defenseman who turned professional following his junior year at Cornell. He made his NHL debut with the Avalanche during the 2023-24 season, scoring three goals and recording 10 points in just 23 games.
Player Statistics
| Season | Games Played | Goals | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 23 | 3 | 10 |
| 2024-25 | 76 | 8 | 35 |
| Career Totals | 149 | 11 | 49 |
Malinski has a full no-trade clause for the first two years of his new contract, transitioning to a 10-team no-trade clause in the third year and a six-team clause in the fourth. He was expected to enter unrestricted free agency after the 2025-26 season.
Avalanche’s Current Standing
The Avalanche currently boast an impressive record of 35-6-9, positioning them at the top of the Central Division as well as the overall National Hockey League standings. Their next game is set against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata, Ontario.
