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Avalanche sign D Sam Malinski to 4-year extension

By Thomson Reuters Jan 27, 2026 | 12:38 PM

The Colorado Avalanche signed defenseman Sam Malinski to a four-year extension through ‍the 2029-30 season on Tuesday.

Terms were not disclosed but Sportsnet reported the deal carries an average annual value of $4.75 ‌million.

Malinski, 27, has ‌set career highs in assists (21) and points (24) through 50 games this season. His plus-26 rating is tied ​for sixth among NHL blueliners.

“Sam is a ‍hard-working defenseman who ​has great skating and ​puck-moving ability,” Avalanche general manager ‍Chris MacFarland said. “His commitment to the defensive side of the game has turned him into a reliable defenseman ‍for us. We’re excited to have him under contract for the ‍following ‍four seasons.”

Malinski has ​49 points (11 goals, 38 ​assists) ⁠through 149 career games ‌with Colorado since making his NHL debut in November of 2023. The Minnesota native was undrafted out of Cornell.

–Field ⁠Level Media