When news broke of Cale Makar going down with an upper-body injury, the collective Avalanche fanbase and organization held its breath. Even the entire hockey world waited to exhale until there was clarity on whether Makar’s injury would be serious or not.
Fortunately, it’s not a big deal. But that still didn’t make up for the gaping hole in the Avalanche’s lineup.
There was a clear need for someone to step up. And that someone was Sam Malinksi.
The Avs blueliner had one heck of a game, scoring two goals and adding an assist. He gave the Avalanche life late in the third period, scoring a beauty. The goal, off a failed clearing attempt by the Canucks, shows the confidence Malinski has attained this season.
The 27-year-old rifled a shot without hesitating. The puck came right to his stick, and he made no mistake about it.
Malinski with his second of the game! pic.twitter.com/mYXi44jUHd
— x - Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 2, 2026
But beyond the gutsy play, Malinski was out on the ice with the big boys. The efforts of Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas, and Artturi Lehkonen to create opportunities in front of the net allowed Malinski to tee up the shot.
That situation was a huge reward for Jared Bednar’s faith in him. Malinski, playing with Devon Toews in Makar’s usual spot, made it clear he’s the best choice to take over the reigning Norris Trophy winner’s spot.
Of course, Malinski won’t be replacing Makar any time soon. Malinski’s performance, nevertheless, makes the loss of Makar less impactful than it would have otherwise been.
Most importantly, Malinski’s growing confidence and ability to take over the ice give the Avalanche another major weapon in what can only be described as an embarrassment of riches.
The undrafted blueliner has seven goals and 37 points in 74 games this season. He’s more than doubled his career totals and is on pace to become one of the Avalanche’s stalwarts for years to come.
It’s a tremendous accomplishment for a player who didn’t quite get the love he deserved coming out of college.
Malinski has blown off the ceiling on this potential and could be poised for so much more in the years to come.