The Colorado Avalanche have some business to take care of for today. They announced that defenceman Sam Malinski re-signs a deal with the club. The deal is for four years and carries an average annual value of $4.75 million. Let’s figure out the details.
We have signed Sam Malinski to a four-year extension. pic.twitter.com/IE3Me5H8Nf
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 27, 2026
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Colorado Avalanche Defenceman Sam Malinski Re-Signs for 4 More
It seems like Malinski has done well to find a home in Colorado. It helps that Colorado is so successful, and that Malinski is a solid contributor to the cause. Yes, players’ numbers can be inflated when you play on a wagon like the Avalanche are this season. However, you still have to go out there and do it. Malinski has been cool and proven to be doing it, and doing it well. Good on him.
Malinski had signed a one-year deal for 2025-26 previously. It was a combination of betting on himself, and the team seeing what they had in Malinski. In both cases, it seems the decision paid off.
How Did Malinski and the Avalanche Get Here
Malinski is a 5’11” Minnesota native, who went undrafted. He spent three years at Cornell University before making the leap to the professional ranks. He was between the AHL’s Colorado Eagles and the Avalanche is first full pro season. In contrast, since the beginning of 2024-25, has been in the NHL full time. Last year he played 76 games for the Avalanche. Then, this year he is taking another step. In 50 games, he has three goals and 21 assists in nearly 17 minutes of ice. He occasionally kills penalties, but that assist total is impressive considering limited specialty team time, and none on the power play. He is a great depth defender and this contract pays him as a regular for the foreseeable future. Both Malinski and the Avalanche would love to see it through to a Stanley Cup championship, or two.
Main Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy – Imagn Images