Avalanche Sign Sam Malinski To One-Year Deal

The Avalanche’s last remaining NHL-regular restricted free agent, Sam Malinski, has signed a one-year deal through the 2025-26 season, the team announced on Monday.

Malinski, 26, will make $1.4 million, according to PuckPedia — the outlet that first reported the signing. He is eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer.

Read More: Avalanche UFA Board: Finding the Right Fits on July 1 — Defense Options Available

The #GoAvsGO have agreed to terms with RFA Malinski on a 1 year $1.4M Deal

Will be UFA on expiry

15P in 76 GP

Rep'd by @Hockeyagent @DHermiston8 @wassermanhockey https://t.co/vOHHRR2alj

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) June 30, 2025

Malinski spent all of last season with the Avs after getting a short 23-game look the year prior.

He had five goals and 15 points in 75 games, along with an assist in five playoff games. The right-shot defenseman has regularly lined up on Colorado’s third pair when the team is fully healthy. He’ll likely reclaim that spot for another year. Malinski averaged 15:57 per game.

The Avs have $7.55 million in cap space remaining with 10 forwards, six defensemen, and two goalies under contract. Logan O’Connor is also eligible to start the season on LTIR after having hip surgery earlier in the month, albeit general manager Chris MacFarland said on Saturday that the team prefers to operate at the cap in order to accrue cap space leading up to the trade deadline.