The Colorado Avalanche sent a clear message on Thursday night: no one is getting by on reputation alone.
Sam Malinski found that out the hard way, sitting as a healthy scratch while Colorado rolled to a 7-3 win over the Calgary Flames. Noah Juulsen stepped into Malinski’s spot, and the switch paid off right away.
For Malinski, it was a jarring turn after he played in all 82 games last season and carved out a real role on the blue line. He had become a steady presence for Colorado, but that didn’t protect him once Jared Bednar decided he’d seen enough.
Bednar had not been pleased with Malinski’s start this season, and the issues dated back to training camp. Rather than wait for the slump to pass, the Avalanche coach moved quickly and made the change.
That’s what makes this decision so notable. Malinski wasn’t some fringe piece. He was a former undrafted free agent who put together career highs last season with eight goals, 32 assists and 40 points, then finished with a plus-43 rating that ranked among the best in the NHL.
Colorado clearly believed in what he had become. The team backed that up with a four-year, $19 million contract extension that carries a $4.75 million annual salary cap hit through the 2029-30 season.
But the 2026-27 season has not opened the same way. Malinski’s struggles were on display Wednesday in Winnipeg, where Colorado lost 3-2 after the winning goal with one minute left. Malinski was on the ice for that final sequence.
One day later, he was in the press box.
Juulsen’s arrival gives Colorado a different kind of option. Joe Sakic signed him in the offseason knowing the Avalanche wanted an experienced seventh defenseman who could step in when needed.
Unlike Malinski, Juulsen is not there to provide offense. His value comes from his physical play and defensive positioning.
That role showed up against Calgary. Juulsen recorded his first point with the Avalanche, and Colorado’s defensemen combined for four goals in the victory.
Still, this looks more like a warning shot than a permanent shift. Malinski’s track record says he should be back in the mix soon enough, and this likely won’t turn into a long stay out of the lineup.
The bigger point is the one Bednar made with the decision itself. Colorado has Stanley Cup expectations, and there is no room for inconsistent play, no matter what a player did last season. The Avalanche spent the offseason adding depth and competition, especially up front, and that pressure is now extending to the defense.
Malinski has been challenged. Now he has to get back to the level that made him one of Colorado’s most intriguing players a year ago.
In Other News...
Former Avalanche Forward Suddenly Has A Shot To Return At Ball Arena
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For Colorado fans, Woods name still carries a memorable playoff imprint after his overtime winner in Game 1 of the 2024 second-round series against Dallas. Now theres at least a chance he surfaces in Denver again, this time in a different sweater and in a different role than the one Avalanche supporters remember, with his Toronto debut still hanging in the balance. [Read more 🡒]
Avalanche Reunion Night Comes With One Intriguing Lineup Twist
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Blankenburg is the more interesting name to watch because Toronto may need him to step in after an injury to Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Wood is also back with the big club after a recent AHL recall, though he is not expected to play, which leaves one small lineup wrinkle still worth monitoring before puck drop. [Read more 🡒]
Avalanche Just Set Up A Goalie Decision That Could Open Space
Trent Miners path back to Colorados crease took a small step forward this week, with the depth goaltender fully recovered from the preseason injury that sidelined him to start the year and now exposed to waivers. For the Avalanche, its the kind of roster housekeeping that often goes unnoticed outside the room, but it can matter when a club is managing every last bit of flexibility around its goalie depth.
Miner is in the final season of his two-year, two-way deal, and the timing adds another layer to the decision. If he goes unclaimed by Sundays 1 p.m. CT waiver deadline, Colorado will move on from a little salary-cap baggage and keep sorting out its goaltending picture, while Miners status for the rest of the season will still carry some real stakes with free agency in view if he doesnt hit certain NHL thresholds. [Read more 🡒]