Sam Malinski is focused on becoming one of the Avalanche’s most reliable defensemen.
DENVER — Sam Malinski is focused on every detail of his game as he works to become a more reliable asset for the Colorado Avalanche.
The 5’11”, 190-pound defenseman has posted five points (one goal, four assists) in 10 games so far this season. Some expected Malinski to show a bit more offensive production by this point—a topic that came up during Tuesday’s morning skate—but he brushed it off with quiet confidence.
“I feel good on the ice. I’m not too worried about the production aspect I guess,” Malinski said. “I’m just trying to do the right things, play detailed hockey, and (the production will come).”
Although the season is still young, Malinski has already been forced to adapt to a number of changes. He began the year on his natural side, anchoring the third defensive pair alongside Brent Burns. But when Samuel Girard went down with an upper-body injury, Burns was bumped up to the second pairing with Josh Manson, leaving Malinski to hold steady on the third line. Since then, he’s alternated between his strong and off side, working with a rotating cast of partners including Ilya Solovyov and, more recently, Jack Ahcan, who was called up from the AHL. When asked if the constant adjustments have altered the way he prepares for games, Malinski’s response reflected his composed, analytical mindset: he’s focused solely on his own preparation and performance, choosing not to dwell on variables he can’t control.
“I think just focusing on what you do on the ice and focusing on yourself (is the best strategy),” he added. “I think that will be a strength of our team down the line is being able to play with every partner no matter who it is. I think we’re just going to keep doing that.”
The Avalanche (5-1-4) sit second in the Central Division with 33 points, trailing only the division-leading Utah Mammoth (8-2). Despite that standing, Colorado has dropped four straight—though they’ve managed to salvage points in three of those losses, each coming in overtime or a shootout.
When asked how difficult it is to turn the page after a stretch like that—particularly with a rematch against the same New Jersey Devils team that just beat them—Malinski answered with his signature composure.
“It’s hard to move on—we’re here to win, and we’re coming so close. I think we’re playing pretty good hockey, too, so it’s kind of hard. But the wins will come.”
Malinski Credits Teammates for Improvement
The 2024–25 campaign marked Malinski’s first full season in the NHL, and by the time the trade deadline approached, the former collegiate standout had emerged as one of Colorado’s most improved players—shifting the conversation around him from trade talk to water-cooler talk. Malinski attributed his progress to the influence of his teammates and a more disciplined approach to managing off days and recovery. When asked by The Hockey News to elaborate, he spoke thoughtfully about the methods he’s adopted and the veterans he’s turned to for guidance.
“I looked around the room and seen what other guys do and talked to them. The big thing is being consistent with your hot tub/cold tub, saunas, Normatec, all the basic stuff that works. It’s just being consistent with them.
“It’s hard to pick one guy because I’ve talked to basically every guy on the team at this point about what they do and watching the way Burnsy (Brent Burns) treats his body. I mean the guy’s been playing forever, so he’s clearly doing something right.”
The Game
The Avalanche face the Devils in a rematch of Sunday’s closely contested game, which New Jersey edged 4–3 in overtime at the Prudential Center. This evening, Colorado has an opportunity to even the series on home ice. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. local time from Ball Arena.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.