Yahoo Sports How Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski has improved his game
Two spots on Colorado's defense need to be filled and Sam Malinski has made a significant push to earn one of them.
The 26-year-old played 23 games in burgundy and blue last season and put up 10 points (3g/7a). He has shown improvement in his game, which he attributes to offseason training and growth.
"Just focused a lot on putting on some weight, getting stronger, stronger lower half, and shot a lot of pucks. So worked on my shot a ton. Just overall, worked on everything," the Lakeville, Minnesota native said during training camp.
Malinski had a new trainer this summer who pushed him to work his hardest. Even with a number of NHL games under his belt, he said his confidence stems from his training and preparation.
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The young defenseman played 24:21 in the 4-2 loss against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on Friday. He had five shots on goal and saw a little power-play time. He scored a power-play goal and earned an assist in the 6-3 loss to the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday at Ball Arena.
"It's definitely fun, get some games in, get back to 5-on-5 play," Malinski said after his second preseason game. "It's been really good for me, figuring out what I need to work on as far as little details and just getting back to game speed."
It has been a challenge for Malinski to play with different players he may not have even practiced with but said communication is important in those situations. His confidence on the ice has improved and has not gone unnoticed by head coach Jared Bednar.
"He's been consistently good through the whole camp," Bednar said after Sunday's loss to Utah. "He looks bigger and stronger and more physical in the battles, more confident because of that."
Malinski was undrafted and signed to a two-year contract by the Avs on March 30, 2023. He had a professional tryout with the Colorado Eagles, made the team and spent the rest of the season with the AHL club. He played NCAA hockey at Cornell University where he was named captain his senior year and notched 26 points in 34 games.
While Malinski has been impressive so far, there are a few others battling for a spot on the blue line. But it may not be a competition between Calvin de Haan, Erik Brannstrom and Oliver Kylington — more of a rotation, according to Bednar.
"They've all played pretty well, so far. Again, different strengths. I know everyone's making it out to be this big battle, but we might keep eight (defensemen)," Bednar said. "We have the ability to keep eight, depending on how the forward situation stacks up. So we'll see what happens — we may or may not have a longer runway on those decisions, and we'll need them all."
It is an advantage for Malinski to have experience with the team, which is why it may take some time for the other three newcomers to adjust to the Avalanche's system. The variety of skill sets should prove useful in different matchups.
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