When it comes to the roster of the Colorado Avalanche, there are not a ton of spots that are up for grabs. Sure, there could be some improvements by some players, but it is not like the team is in such a bad place with any particular player where we’re saying to ourselves that it’s time to move on.
That used to be the case of Jonathan Drouin, who started off the season on a very slow start. Since his slow start, he’s accumulated five goals and 11 assists. He seems to have gotten into a groove. Well, onto the next guy and the main topic of this article…
Despite getting sent down to the Colorado Eagles upon Sam Girard’s return, defenseman Sam Malinski has played quite well for the Avalanche in Girard’s place. He certainly has made a case to have a more permanent spot on the Avalanche roster in 2024-25.
Despite having just one goal and five assists in 14 games this season, I don’t think that a lot of people expected him to make such an impact, coming in as a practice tryout this past offseason. Girard’s absence really gave Malinski the opportunity to make a difference.
In mid-December, head coach Jared Bednar had some positives to say about Malinski:
"He's involved in our offensive attack. So whether it's a rush or o-zone play, I think he's making great decisions with the puck - possession decisions are leading to scoring chances," Jared Bednar said on Sam Malinski.
— Meghan Angley (@megangley) December 14, 2023
"I feel like his skating is really helping him on our…
So, who is it that could be on the way out after this season?
That player is Jack Johnson. Johnson is getting up in age, and I’m speculating that he might retire at the end of this season. However, whether he does or doesn’t retire, he’s scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. The Colorado Avalanche might decide to not re-sign him and to stick with the young guy.
I would not be surprised if the Avalanche call Malinski back up into the lineup several more times before this season is over with.