The Colorado Avalanche are the top team in the league, roughly 20 games into the season with only one regulation loss. The team should extend many thanks to their defensive group, who lead the league in points by defensemen with 57. That's six more than the next closest team, the Montreal Canadiens. Not only is the group flying high offensively, they've been sound on the defensive side with Brent Burns' addition and Josh Manson's uptick in quality play. However, the biggest contributor might just be Sam Malinski, who's garnering more attention in the hockey world.
Sam Malinski draws in lofty comparisons
Guerilla Sports Avalanche reporters Jesse Montano and Meghan Angley spoke about Malinski and his play so far this season on a recent episode of their podcast.