Colorado is leaning on the college-to-pro pipeline, signing Alex Gagne and Ronald Attard to pro deals while bringing Sean Behrens back from a knee injury and counting on Logan O’Connor and Sam Malinski to anchor the system. Gagne, a 6-foot-5 defenseman who captained New Hampshire, will begin in the AHL with the Eagles, and Attard’s two-way deal should log plenty of time in Colorado’s depth. Behrens’ return adds immediate blue-line upside, while O’Connor and Malinski provide veteran presence and internal competition. It’s a deliberate path to replenish youth after a busy trade-and-draft cycle, with the Eagles as a proving ground and COL roster depth as the ultimate goal.

The Avalanche have consistently mined college free agents, and these moves underscore a long-term plan to fill the pipeline from within. By prioritizing players who waited to turn pro and emphasizing AHL development, Colorado aims to cushion injury gaps and rotations while keeping the NHL roster competitive in a salary- and asset-conscious environment.

The Colorado Avalanche have bolstered their roster by signing restricted free agent Sam Malinski to a one-year, $1.4 million contract for the 2025-26 NHL season. Malinski, 27, made a significant impact in his first full season in the NHL, scoring five goals and recording 15 points in 76 games. Notably, the undrafted defenseman, who joined the Avalanche after a successful collegiate career at Cornell, transitioned from the third pairing to the second when needed, showcasing his adaptability.

This move comes strategically as the Avalanche clear some cap space, now possessing $8.325 million available as they prepare for the upcoming season. With ten forwards, five defensemen, and two goalies already under contract, Colorado is looking to sharpen its competitiveness, especially with forward Logan O’Connor slated to miss the start of the season due to hip surgery. The recent trades of Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood netted Colorado an additional $7.75 million in cap space for this season and $2.5 million in each of the next three seasons, allowing for necessary adjustments in their roster.

The Colorado Avalanche are entering an offseason filled with uncertainty regarding player contracts, particularly around Jonathan Drouin and Martin Necas. With limited cap space, they need to prioritize signing young defenseman Sam Malinski while managing expectations about potential roster changes. Some speculate that the organization isn't feeling the pressure to make drastic moves, despite outside perceptions suggesting otherwise. They value their roster depth, especially at center, and are assessing their needs cautiously.

Furthermore, the Avalanche traded for Ryan Lindgren, hinting at a potential interest in bolstering their defense. Despite rumors swirling, they seem confident in their current lineup, choosing to evaluate player performance before making significant changes.

The Colorado Avalanche face important decisions regarding their defensive depth chart as they prepare for the offseason. With the top four defencemen secured under contract, the main focus shifts to filling positions 5 through 8 on the blue line. Recent years have seen a carousel of players in the No. 5 slot, including Ryan Lindgren, Bo Byram, and Sean Walker. Lindgren’s uncertain future as an unrestricted free agent raises concerns about the budget, especially with the potential acquisition of a No. 2 center. The Avalanche might lean towards Sam Malinski as the new No. 5, but they will need to identify a partner for him.

The options include familiar names and new figures. Erik Johnson, if he opts to continue playing, could serve in a more limited capacity, while Keaton Middleton’s role remains uncertain after inconsistent performances last season. They might also explore external options, which could involve looking for bargains or mid-range signings. Players like Brian Dumoulin and Derek Forbort stand out as potential mid-range acquisitions, albeit with some risk given their recent performances. The Avalanche will have to navigate a delicate balance of maintaining competitiveness while adhering to financial constraints as they finalize their lineup for the coming season.

Jared Bednar, head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, expressed strong dissatisfaction with officiating during Game 5 against the Dallas Stars, following a match filled with 66 penalty minutes. His grievances centered on inconsistent calls, particularly a controversial elbowing penalty against Sam Malinski that led to a key power play goal for Dallas. Bednar emphasized the need for a consistent penalty standard, arguing that players must know what to expect from referees throughout the game.

Bednar's remarks highlight a growing frustration among teams regarding officiating standards in the playoffs, a situation that can dramatically impact game outcomes. As the series progresses, the Avalanche will be keen to address the perceived inequities in officiating to level the playing field and maintain a competitive edge.