Malinski was an unexpected scratch for Game 4 with an upper-body injury but will now be a game-time decision as Colorado hosts Minnesota for Game 5 on Wednesday. The 27-year-old had a breakout campaign in 2026-26, with 40 points in 82 games and has continued that success into the postseason with an impressive three points and +7 plus/minus in 7 games played so far.
Malinski was an unexpected scratch for Game 4 with an upper-body injury but will now be a game-time decision as Colorado hosts Minnesota for Game 5 on Wednesday. The 27-year-old had a breakout campaign in 2026-26, with 40 points in 82 games and has continued that success into the postseason with an impressive three points and +7 plus/minus in 7 games played so far.
Malinski was a surprise scratch alongside Artturi Lehkonen ahead of Game 4 in Minnesota. Josh Manson returned from an upper-body injury in Game 4 to replace Malinski, whose status remains uncertain for Game 5.
Malinski was a surprise scratch alongside Artturi Lehkonen ahead of Game 4 in Minnesota. Josh Manson will return from an upper-body injury and fill the void in the Avs lineup left by Malinski.
Malinski is an undrafted defenseman who became an NHL regular last season. The 26-year-old played 76 games with the Avalanche in the 2024-25 season, averaging 15:57 time-on-ice and scoring 15 points (5G / 10A) in 76 games.
Erik Johnson will draw back into Colorado's lineup on Friday against the Calgary Flames, sending Malinski to the sidelines as a healthy scratch. The 26-year-old Malinski is averaging 15:30 time-on-ice and has nine points (2G / 7A) in 61 games this season.
Malinski will draw into the lineup on Tuesday along with Parker Kelly and Logan O'Connor as the Avalanche opt to get some fresh legs into the lineup for the tail-end of their back-to-back. Erik Johnson, Miles Wood, and Jimmy Vesey will all be scratched.
Malinski was excellent in Colorado's previous game, recording two assists in a 7-4 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, but will be a healthy scratch on Monday to accommodate Erik Johnson's re-debut with the team. The 26-year-old Malinski is averaging 15:29 time-on-ice and has nine points (2G / 7A) in 60 games this season.
With Josh Manson returning from injury and Keaton Middleton drawing back into the lineup, Oliver Kylington and Sam Malinski will be healthy scratches on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. The 26-year-old Malinski is averaging 15:30 time-on-ice and has seven points (2G / 5A) in 59 games this season.
Calvin de Haan will be a healthy scratch on Wednesday against the Winnipeg Jets, allowing Malinski to re-enter the lineup. The 26-year-old Malinski is averaging 15:42 time-on-ice and has five points (1G / 4A) in 45 games this season.
Samuel Girard (undisclosed) will return from a three-game absence, resulting in Malinski being a healthy scratch. The 27-year-old Malinski is averaging 15:42 time-on-ice and has five points (1G / 4A) in 45 games this season.
Malinski will sit in favour of Jack Johnson on Thursday. Malinski has three goals and seven assists in 23 games this season.
Malinski will re-enter the lineup in place of Jack Johnson, who is listed as a healthy scratch for Tuesday's game in New Jersey. Malinski will skate alongside Bowen Byram on Colorado's third pair.
Malinski missed one game for the Avalanche as he was returned to the Colorado Eagles (AHL) but has been recalled again Monday. The 25-year-old was having an impressive season in his first taste of the big leagues, with three goals, 10 points, 29 SOG, and a +4 plus/minus in 22 games played.
Malinski has played in eight straight games and has scored four points (1G / 3A) in his last four, but will be a healthy scratch on Friday to allow Jack Johnson to draw back into the lineup. Malinski has been effective in limited time this season, scoring 10 points (3G / 7A) in 22 games while averaging only 14:19 time-on-ice.
Malinski has had some success with the Avalanche earlier this season and will get another chance to showcase his talents as he was recalled on an emergency basis on Monday. In 14 games with the Avalanche, Malinski has five points (1G / 4A), 15 shots, and 15 blocks.
Malinski has had some success with the Avalanche earlier this season and could another chance to showcase his talents as he was recalled on an emergency basis on Monday. In 14 games with the Avalanche, Malinski has five points (1G / 4A), 15 shots, and 15 blocks.
