The day before the NHL free agent market opened this past offseason, Sam Malinski looked like a safe bet to be in the Colorado Avalanche lineup on opening night. Then the Avs added not one or two, but five defensemen with more NHL experience than him before training camp began. Undeterred, Malinski not only won a spot on the club’s third pairing but he’s been one of the most consistent, stable players on the roster in a season full of upheaval. “It’s been good.