Story bySam MalinskiAssociated PressTue, January 27, 2026 at 8:55 PM UTC·2 min readDENVER — Sam Malinski’s breakout season was rewarded when the Colorado Avalanche signed the defenseman to a four-year extension. The deal is reported to be worth $19 million, with an annual cap hit of $4.75 million. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 27-year-old Malinski already has set career-highs with 21 assists and 24 points in logging 16 minutes, 43 seconds of ice time per game. He’s second among defensemen on the team in assists behind reigning Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar.“Sam is a hard-working defenseman who has great skating and puck-moving ability,” Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland said in a statement. “His commitment to the defensive side of the game has turned him into a reliable defenseman for us.”It’s another instance where the Avalanche have rewarded an up-and-coming player this season.