November 28th 2024.
As the NHL free agent market was about to open this past offseason, all signs pointed towards Sam Malinski securing a spot in the Colorado Avalanche's lineup for opening night. However, everything changed when the Avs added not one or two, but five defensemen with more NHL experience than him before training camp even began. Despite this, Malinski remained undeterred and not only managed to earn a spot on the team's third pairing, but he has also been one of the most consistent and reliable players on the roster during a season filled with chaos and uncertainty.
Reflecting on his experience so far, Malinski shared, "It's been a good and fun season for me. Last year, my games were constantly being interrupted, but this year I have been able to establish a rhythm and find a routine that works for me. That has definitely helped me perform better this year." Like Logan O'Connor and Ivan Ivan, Malinski was also an undrafted free agent. He got a taste of the NHL last season and proved that he belonged, playing in 23 games and holding his own.
However, the idea of a 26-year-old with limited NHL experience stepping in to replace the likes of Bo Byram and Sean Walker as the team's No. 5 defenseman was met with skepticism at the start of camp. But Malinski has not only silenced those doubts, but he has also become a key asset for the Avalanche. He has played in all 23 games so far, while the spot next to him has been constantly rotating.
Coach Jared Bednar praised Malinski's defensive skills, saying, "I like the way he defends, but he also has great poise when coming out of our zone and through the neutral zone. Even on nights when his game is just solid and quietly good, he still manages to make a play or two that leads to great scoring chances." Bednar also noted that Malinski's maturity and consistency have been evident throughout the season, not just in recent games.
Being the No. 5 defenseman in a high-powered offensive team like the Avalanche requires a specific set of skills. The third pairing needs to be able to push the puck to the offensive end of the ice, win battles against the opposing team's depth players, and set up scoring opportunities for the top players. With the likes of Cale Makar and Devon Toews on the ice, the Avs expect to dominate their opponents. But if Malinski and his partner can also control the play, it becomes a significant advantage for the team.
Teammate Josh Manson praised Malinski's well-rounded game, saying, "He makes plays in the offensive zone, has great skating skills, and moves the puck well. He's also strong in breaking out of our zone and has a good overall game. He's just playing really well and using his strengths, which include his ability to make plays and set up scoring chances." While being a right-shot defenseman does give Malinski an advantage, Bednar has no hesitation in pairing him up with two lefties if needed.
Malinski's stats speak for themselves. He has the second-best expected goals for percentage among the team's top-six defensemen, and the Avalanche have produced nearly 56% of the shot attempts while he's on the ice. His most frequent partners, Calvin de Haan, Oliver Kylington, and Sam Girard, all have higher expected goals percentages when playing with Malinski compared to when they're on the ice without him. This is especially noticeable with de Haan, who has seen a significant improvement in his performance while playing with Malinski.
Both Malinski and Bednar have emphasized his consistency as a key factor in his success this season. Malinski credited his hard work during the offseason and the team's strength and conditioning staff for keeping him fresh during his longest stretch of NHL games to date. He said, "Consistency is something I have really focused on this year, especially as a third-pairing defenseman. The coaching staff needs to know what they can expect from us when we step onto the ice. I will continue to work on this for the rest of the season."
In related news, the Avalanche recently defeated the Golden Knights, and Valeri Nichushkin scored a crucial goal in the game and also in the shootout. However, the team will once again have to face the challenge of playing shorthanded, as Jonathan Drouin is back on the injured list. Despite this, the Avalanche have been one of the biggest surprises of the NHL season so far, and their recent win against the defending champions proves that they are a top contender this year.
Malinski's confidence has grown significantly this season, as he shared, "Last year, I felt like I was walking on eggshells, unsure of what each day would bring and trying not to get sent down. But this year, having been with the team for a while now, I have more confidence in myself and my abilities. I am not afraid to make mistakes anymore." Want to stay updated on all things Avalanche? Sign up for the Avalanche Insider to receive all our NHL analysis and news.
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