Avalanche’s Sam Malinski got the message, ready to re-establish himself as an everyday player

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski (70) fires a shot against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the third period at Ball Arena in Denver Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)Sam Malinski didn’t need a heart-to-heart, in-depth meeting. He got the message.

Malinski, a healthy scratch for the past three games, returns to the lineup Wednesday night in a pivotal Central Division showdown against the Winnipeg Jets at Ball Arena.

“He’s back in because we just got a handful of games and he’s taken a break and had a reset,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said. “I want to see him play a good, solid 200-foot hockey game. He’s got to get involved on the offensive side of it. I think he…