Over the last three games, one thing has become clear: Sam Malinski is proving he is ready to step up. The injury to defenseman Cale Makar has forced the Colorado Avalanche to adjust their backend. With that change, Malinski has stepped up to the plate and taken the bull by the horns. But Malinski was already doing that, putting up career numbers in his third year in the NHL.

Numbers don’t lie

The coaching staff has shown a lot more trust in Malinski this season. He has averaged over two more minutes of ice time per game this year than he did last year. In the last 20 games, Malinski ranks 12th in the league for expected goals by a defenseman (2) at 5-on-5. He also ranks sixth in the NHL with 12 points in 20 games at 5-on-5. His .36 points per 60 minutes of play are second on the defense for the Avs in 5-on-5 play as well.

The comfort level

Malinski is showing more comfort with his play. He is rushing the puck to the net more, giving the team more chances. The Cornell alum is also shooting the puck closer to the net. His average shot distance so far this season is 50.9 feet, 3.8 feet closer than last season. Malinski is giving himself more opportunities to set up teammates for rebounds with his closer shots. This sows up with Malinski’s 31 assists this season. A number that he has tripled from last season. During the preseason, the former Colorado Eagle had to play on his off-side. This gave him more experience on his vision on the ice and how the play develops on the other side of the ice.

Leads the league

The Minnesota native leads the NHL among all defensemen for plus/minus. He is currently at plus 42, sitting ahead of Tampa’s J.J. Moser (41). Fans had their doubts at the beginning of the season about Malinski, but this proves that he knows how to keep the puck out of the net. With the trade of Samuel Girard, Malinski is now primed to be on the second pair for a while for the Avalanche. Not a bad pickup for an undrafted college free agent!