Sam Malinski Fantasy Stats

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski (upper body) is on track to return to the lineup on Wednesday night in Game 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights, ESPN's Emily Kaplan reports. He missed the last two games of the second-round series against Minnesota due to an upper-body injury. Malinski's return on Wednesday is a major boost for the Avalanche, who will be without Cale Makar (undisclosed). As a result, Malinski could take on additional duties on the blue line. Devon Toews and Brent Burns might also see more action without Makar, especially on the power play.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski (upper body) practiced fully on Sunday, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. The 27-year-old missed the last two games of Colorado's second-round series against Minnesota. Now that he's back on the ice, there's a strong chance Malinski will be ready to return to the lineup when the Western Conference Finals start on Wednesday. Throughout the season, Malinski has surprised many with his effective play. He shattered his career high with 40 points and has remained productive in the playoffs, totaling three points (one goal, two assists), 14 SOG, 14 blocks, and seven hits in seven outings. Jack Ahcan will drop out of the lineup once Malinski is cleared to play.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski (upper body) is not expected to be in the lineup on Wednesday in Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild. An upper-body injury kept Malinski out of Monday's Game 4, and he didn't participate in Wednesday's optional morning skate. Fortunately for the Avalanche, their defense got Josh Manson back on Monday night. He skated on the third defensive pairing with Jack Ahcan, who figures to remain in the lineup in Malinski's absence. While Ahcan had a big year offensively in the AHL this season, he stood out defensively in Game 4, recording three blocks and two hits in 7:07 of action.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski (upper body) is considered day-to-day ahead of Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. The 27-year-old had been ever-present in the Avalanche lineup since opening day until an upper-body injury kept him out on Monday against Minnesota. Over seven postseason appearances, Malinski has averaged two blocks per game and contributed one goal and two assists. Both Jack Ahcan and Nick Blankenburg are candidates to cover for Malinski during his absence.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski signed a four-year, $19 million contract extension on Tuesday. He was rewarded for a career year. With a large chunk of the 2025-26 regular season left, Malinski has already posted his new scoring record with 24 points (three goals, 21 assists) in 50 games. Additionally, he has recorded 98 shots, 56 blocks, 24 hits, and an outstanding plus-26 rating. Last offseason, Malinski inked a one-year, $1.4 million deal with Colorado. The 27-year-old has played a larger role on Colorado's blue line lately due to the absence of Devon Toews (upper body).