Sam Malinski
Sam Malinski just might be the most intriguing name on this list. I might have gone with someone like Calum Ritchie, who as a first-round pick is much more highly touted. Ritchie did score a beauty last night to cap off Colorado's tally in the 6-3 loss to Utah.
But from my perspective, it is perhaps more fun to talk about an undrafted success story like Sam Malinski. Avalanche fans no doubt remember Malinski from his call-ups last season. The kid is fun to watch. We here at MHS are well-documented believers in Malinski's talent.
Last season I went as far as comparing some of his blueline moves to Cale Makar. Well, in Sunday's matchup with Utah he went coast-to-coast to score like a mini-Makar! With that kind of determination and aforementioned long lead-pass to Ritchie, Sam Malinski was the headliner from Colorado's third preseason game.
It should also be noted that Malinski is the only one of the three players in this slideshow to dress for all three games thus far. He's been noticable every game too. Why I think that matters is that the coaches want to give him the chance to prove he deserves a spot even in a crowded defensive group.
Colorado has added a lot on the backend. With guys like Calvin de Haan, Erik Brannstrom and Oliver Kylington coming in this offseason, the roster looks full. Kylington was a bit of a surprise to be honest. Thus far I haven't loved what i've seen from the former Flame. But I do think he wore an A for Colorado in that first game out against Dallas.
At this point, I do tend to think Colorado will carry an extra D on the roster. Even so, with the third defensive pair being a question, and an extra accounted for but unnamed, it still feels like someone is getting left out in the cold.
I am personally stoked for Malinski that he's making the choice this difficult for the coaches. But at the same time, I fear that if Colorado has to try and place him on waivers for reassignment to the Eagles, he's probably getting claimed.
What Malinski has in his favor, aside from his clear raw talent, is a level of familiarity with the organization. If he does make the team, his offensive instincts have already proven a good match for how the Avalanche love to play.