DENVER (AP) — Sam Malinski’s breakout season was rewarded Tuesday when the Colorado Avalanche signed the defenseman to a four-year extension.
The deal is reportedly worth $19 million, with an annual cap hit of $4.75 million.
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Malinski, 27, has already set career highs with 21 assists and 24 points in 16 minutes and 43 seconds of ice time per game. He is second among team defensemen in assists behind reigning Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar.
“Sam is a hard-working defenseman with excellent skating and puck-moving skills,” Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland said in a statement. “His commitment to the defensive side of the game has made him a reliable defender for us.”
This is another example where the Avalanche rewarded a promising player this season. In November, Gavin Brindley signed a two-year contract extension less than 48 hours later scoring his first NHL overtime winner. The 5-foot-8, 173-pound Brindley was acquired by Colorado on June 27 in a deal that sent Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood to Columbus.
Three months ago, the Avalanche signed Martin Necas signed to $92 million, eight-year contract extension until 2034.
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The Avalanche signed Malinski as a college free agent in March 2023. He made the opening roster in 2024-25 and has been a staple on the blue line ever since. He has 11 goals and 38 assists in 149 career regular season games. Malinski also played in five games, with one assist, in the playoffs for Colorado last season against Dallas.
Malinski, who stands 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, suited up for Cornell University from 2019-23. The Lakeville, Minn., native was a team captain in 2022-23.
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