ITHACA, N.Y. — Senior defenseman Sam Malinski has signed a two-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche, the organization announced Thursday morning.

Malinski's contract with the Avalanche will begin with the 2023-24 season, as the blueliner will join the team's American Hockey League affiliate, Colorado Eagles, on a professional tryout contract (PTO) for the remainder of the season.

This past season, Malinski recorded 26 points (eight goals, 18 assists) in 34 games for Cornell. His eight goals and 26 points were single-season highs, while his 18 assists matched his output from the 2021-22 season. All three of Malinski's offensive figures (eight goals, 18 assists, and 26 points) led all Big Red defensemen.

His 26 points were the most by a Cornell defenseman since Yanni Kaldis had a 28-point season (four goals, 24 assists) in 2018-19.

A two-time All-ECAC First Team selection, Malinski became the sixth Cornell defenseman to earn first team honors in consecutive years, and was the first since Doug Murray in 2001-02 and 2002-03.

The Lakeville, Minn., native registered points in 10 straight games during a span from Dec. 30 to Feb. 4. It was tied with Matt Moulson for the second-longest streak by a Big Red player under Mike Schafer '86. It was also the second-longest streak by a Division I defenseman this year, trailing Boston University's Lane Hutson (11 games).

In 91 career games with the Big Red, Malinski had 65 points (17 goals, 48 assists), while posting a plus-43 rating. He also blocked 97 shots during his time donning Carnelian Red.

Malinski could make his AHL debut as soon as this Saturday when the Eagles take on the Coachella Valley Firebirds in Palm Springs, Calif.

He will be the 11th former Big Red player to be on an AHL roster, joined by Anthony Angello (Milwaukee), Cole Bardreau and Jeff Kubiak (Bridgeport), Kyle Betts (Belleville), Alex Green (Chicago), Yanni Kaldis (Bakersfield), Jeff Malott (Manitoba), Tristan Mullin (Coachella Valley), Riley Nash (Charlotte), and Michael Regush (Abbotsford).