Sam Malinski scored one of the six goals for the Avalanche in their victory over the Hurricanes, contributing to a strong offensive performance that helped snap Carolina's eight-game win streak.

Sam Malinski has shown a minimal drop-off in performance compared to Bo Byram or Sean Walker as the Avalanche's No. 5 defenseman. He appears capable of driving play effectively in that role, indicating that he is a valuable scouting and development success for the organization.

Sam Malinski contributed significantly to the Avalanche's offensive effort, showcasing strong playmaking skills during a pivotal shift that led to a goal. His give-and-go with Nikolai Kovalenko was instrumental in creating scoring opportunities, highlighting his creativity and work ethic on the ice. Coach Bednar praised Malinski for his performance, indicating it might have been the best complete game from the second line.

Sam Malinski is part of the youthful roster that the Avalanche are integrating as they pursue Stanley Cup aspirations. His inclusion reflects the team's broader strategy of replenishing their prospect pool after years of trading away draft picks. Malinski's presence signifies the Avalanche's commitment to developing talent and building a competitive future.

Sam Malinski could provide a defensive upgrade for the Avalanche, potentially improving the team's performance without the puck compared to last season. His strong camp performance suggests he may be able to fill a role that was previously occupied by players like Sean Walker or Bo Byram, contributing to the team’s goal prevention efforts.