Avalanche News
Avalanche Sign Sam Malinski To One-Year Deal
The Avalanche’s last remaining NHL-regular restricted free agent, Sam Malinski, has signed a one-year deal through the 2025-26 season, the team announced on Monday.
Malinski, 26, will make $1.4 million, according to PuckPedia — the outlet that first reported the signing. He is eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer.
Read More: Avalanche UFA Board: Finding the Right Fits on July 1 — Defense Options Available
The #GoAvsGO have agreed to terms with RFA Malinski on a 1 year $1.4M Deal
Will be UFA on expiry
15P in 76 GP
Rep'd by @Hockeyagent @DHermiston8 @wassermanhockey https://t.co/vOHHRR2alj
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) June 30, 2025
Malinski spent all of last season with the Avs after getting a short 23-game look the year prior.
He had five goals and 15 points in 75 games, along with an assist in five playoff games. The right-shot defenseman has regularly lined up on Colorado’s third pair when the team is fully healthy. He’ll likely reclaim that spot for another year. Malinski averaged 15:57 per game.
The Avs have $7.55 million in cap space remaining with 10 forwards, six defensemen, and two goalies under contract. Logan O’Connor is also eligible to start the season on LTIR after having hip surgery earlier in the month, albeit general manager Chris MacFarland said on Saturday that the team prefers to operate at the cap in order to accrue cap space leading up to the trade deadline.
Deen’s Daily: Decentralized Draft is Staying; Kovalenko’s NHL Stint Ends
Former Avalanche Forward Is Heading Back to the KHL
Deen’s Daily: What Are the Avs Doing at 3C?; Sharks Add 2 Veterans
7 Trade Targets That Could Solve the Avalanche’s 3C Hole (+)
Deen’s Daily: Manson Re-Signs; Dallas Dumps Dumba — RHD Always Have Value
Avalanche UFA Board: Bottom Six Depth Options Remain on The Market
‘There’s One Big Goal Still’: Burns is Excited to Join Avs
Deen’s View: At 40, Burns Isn’t Done Yet — But Where Does He Fit on Colorado’s Blue Line? (+)
Report: Avalanche Used Charlie Coyle to Solve Their Miles Wood Problem
Deen’s Daily: Ehlers Heads East; Burns Itching For a Stanley Cup; Trades Coming?
After weeks of resistance, poring over stats, watching games, wondering if maybe, just maybe, the criticism of Sam Girard was just a tiny bit overblown. I finally saw the light. I need to let go. I, too, must step into the great collective communion: trading Girard is the way. It’s time to stop thinking for myself and join the one true community that holds all the answers: Colorado Hockey Now. I used to believe that clean zone exits, defensive mobility, and hockey IQ actually mattered. How naïve. Now I understand what’s truly important: being 6’2 and throwing a big… Read more »
Good job repeating the same thing over and over with a different name.
Sasha, what other names does he/she post as?
Heh…pot calling the kettle black a bit, yeah?
Another Avs’ fan who loves to lose in the first round. Way to gloss over the fact he has a terribly weak shot and brings nothing to PP and is a liability on the PK because he is too small to clear out space or clog up the passing lanes, but yeah, he can skate. That little guy can skate and skate and twirl and twirl! Its insane that the year the Avs won the cup was the year that he didn’t play for the majority of the playoffs. I’m sure you still fondly remember his cute, little cartwheel he… Read more »
Ah, finally, someone who sees through the legend of our local figure skater. Reading your comment, I feel seen. Like I’ve found my people, the kind who stick together in the face of endless praise for a guy who spins in the neutral zone while others are out there blocking shots on the penalty kill. Skating is nice. But winning puck battles, creating plays, and contributing when it matters… that’s better. Thank you for your message, fellow rational thinker. I’m proud to be part of this clear-eyed, no-nonsense community. And to think it took me this long to finally open… Read more »
You actually rationalized it quite well. I’m holding another weekly Trade Girard social hour tomorrow night at the Big and Tall Store in Cherry Creek where I and several others sit around dreaming up Girard trade scenarios and the winner gets a dinner with Keaton Middleton (to admire his physical stature). We also take turns hitting a life sized Girard pinata (actually cheaper than the ponies filled with candy because of the size difference) where the rewards are bobbleheads of Slavin and Christpher Tanev for fun. These are the rituals that I go through each week to confirm my devotion… Read more »
Of course I want to be part of this sacred gathering. In fact, I’ve already planned out exactly how I’ll contribute to this holy ritual: – I’ll show up with a 43-slide PowerPoint titled “The Truth Shall Set You Free (From Girard),” complete with comparative size charts and a 3D simulation of a short-handed goal triggered by a graceful spin in the neutral zone. – I’m bringing the official piñata bat, engraved with the words “small but mobile”, hand-carved from oak and soaked in the oil of forum debates. Every swing will carry the weight of a misinterpreted cap-friendly contract.… Read more »
Lol even though we disagree, we can laugh together still, right? I know its forbidden in the USA now.
Go to all the other articles and you will see the same thing written
I’m not sure if you think these comments are funny but they’re not
There’s absolutely nothing funny about this. Colorado Hockey Now is serious business. Don’t you dare come after my community.
Aarif is the author of said community you halfwit bloke.
I liked it. This guy seems to post pretty good satire (and well written with great structure) and I appreciate satire as a literary device. Great satire must contain truth, and in this case, there is quite a bit. Commentors on here love to have a good Girard roast.
This site desperately needs block and mute functions
Or you could just ignore him? Since he clearly has nothing interesting to say, & just wants attention. It’s akin to a homeless person on a street corner ranting about Jesus. But in this particular case the obsession is a slightly above average NHL defenseman.
It’s fascinating. I could talk about the Avalanche’s defensive system, Ross Colton’s cap hit, or even fourth-line usage… but nothing boosts engagement quite like simply typing “Girard” in a comment. It’s like a magic formula. – Girard + “too small” = +17% interaction – Girard + “defensive zone turnover” = +24% shares – Girard + “trade scenario #48” = midnight traffic spike And yes, I admit it: my comments about him are purely altruistic. They’re meant to fuel debate, broaden perspectives… and launch Colorado Hockey Now to the SEO (Search Engine Optimization) stratosphere. So when I’m compared to “some guy… Read more »
Is Yan Girard back?
His ghost is ever present….
Need to do something about all these spam bots
Pretty much on par with what I figured he’d get. I didn’t think there was anyway it’d be more than 1.5. I’m assuming the lack of term is they amongst others aren’t sold on him being a regular top 6 NHL defenseman. I’ve been a bit perplexed by some who feel he could step in & be a top 4 guy. Let’s see if he can have a consistent season on the bottom pair. And for the love of god keep the kid away from Middelton. His game cratered last year once they swapped Dehaan out for Middelton as his… Read more »
This is a great deal for Sam. Next year, barring a disastrous season, he will have leverage to sign a longer deal. Most likely 2+ million per. Sure it may not be with the Avs, but that is the business. I know I am a huge Malinski fan so my word doesn’t count for much, but I think the Avs will get great value out of this deal for 1 year.
I like his game. And am rooting for him to grow & develop. That’s why I really hope they find him a solid vet to play with on that 3rd pair. Getting saddled with Middelton last year really seemed to stunt his development.
If they get the version of him they got down the stretch when he was playing mainly with Lindgren I think he’ll outperform the 1.5
I wish the Avalanche had signed Malinski for more than one year, since he’ll already be a UFA at the end of next season.
The Malinski qualifying offer seems a good piece of business for both sides. Avs couldn’t have paid more than that with their approximate $9m (now $7.6ish) available cap and the roster positions they need to fill/upgrade. It gives Malinski the opportunity to have a breakout yr and then cash in next yr as a UFA. The 1 yr term gives both sides protection and flexibility. I could see Malinski crushing it this yr, as long as he doesn’t have a serious injury and has a decent partner. Dumoulin, or similar style D, would be a good pairing w him.
Agreed. Makes sense on each side.
Avs bring back a known entity, but with a limited NHL resume, at a sensible price. Malinski has no reason to go long term while selling relatively low.
Side note: SJ is cutting ties with Kovalenko so credit to CMac for selling high and acquiring a starting goalie for basically a future 2nd rd pick
Maybe avs can sign kovalenko back to put on 3rd line or even the 4th line
Pretty sure his ego will land him back in the KHL. I don’t think he wants to settle for bottom 6 NHL minutes & pay when he can cash in back in Russia and be guaranteed a top line role.
I agree. He definitely seems to have an over inflated sense of his own ability & skill level. Which is unfortunate. Because I think if he really adapted he could be an excellent 3rd or 4th line NHL wing.
I believe the “attitude problems” only started when he was moved to San Jose. He had a great attitude in Denver, as far as I could tell, and was perfectly willing to slide up and down the lineup. He then went to a crap team that said they wanted him, and he couldn’t seem to get a consistent role. Anyone would be frustrated if you went from playing meaningful minutes on a good team to playing poor minutes on a garbage team. All that to say, I would welcome Kovy back to the Avs in a heartbeat, if he’s willing… Read more »
Congrats to Sam! It made sense for the Avs to sign him before Tuesday, because he seemed to me like a prime candidate for an offer sheet. It also wouldn’t surprise me if he has a big breakout season (maybe next to Byram???), and the team extends him more long term during the season.
He was +8 reg season +3 playoffs. Decent.
+3 (if you are into +/-) in a 7 game series with 4 losses. That is better than “decent” considering his limited ice time. I am a fan of Sam Girard, but he has no business on the PP because of his weak shot. Malinski should be on PP2 because he is as good, if not better, than all the other defenseman at shooting the puck. He gets it to the net (rarely blocked at the point) with pace and accuracy. As the series went on, Makar’s shot became a sore point and 70 should have been given a chance… Read more »