Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Sam Malinski Signs $19 Million Deal with Avalanche

1/28/2026

24 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski signed a four-year, $19 million contract with a $4.75 million cap hit.
The deal runs through the 2029-30 season, keeping him from unrestricted free agency.
Malinski posted career highs with 24 points and a plus-26 in 50 games.
The contract includes a full no-trade clause for the first two years and a modified clause in the final two years.

History

Historical Context

The 2012-13 NHL lockout, which began on September 15, 2012, marked the league's third labor dispute in 19 years, following the 2004-05 lockout that canceled an entire season. After intense negotiations, a new Collective Bargaining Agreement was ratified on January 12, 2013, introducing a salary cap of $60 million and contract limits, reshaping player market dynamics and team strategies in the NHL.

1 of 2

Story summary

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski signed a four-year, $19 million contract with a $4.75 million cap hit.
The deal runs through the 2029-30 season, keeping him from unrestricted free agency.
Malinski posted career highs with 24 points and a plus-26 in 50 games.
The contract includes a full no-trade clause for the first two years and a modified clause in the final two years.

1 / 2