Mikhail Maltsev

July 2023 – Maltsev signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Kings as he looks towards re-establishing himself, as a LBI took out most of his 2022-23 season. Pat Quinn

February 2023 – Maltsev had surgery and is still out with a LBI with no timeline. His opportunity to fantasy-relevant among the NHL injuries has passed. Hayden Soboleski

November 2022 – Just as NHL injuries led to Maltsev’s first call to arms as a call-up, the forward suffered a presumed lower-body injury and will be out “a while” (which is about as much detail as Colorado provides on injuries). His value even as a streaming option is low and will not improve once the team’s forward corps gets healthy. Hayden Soboleski

October 2022 – Maltsev appears to be primed to play the same role for the Avs as in 2021-22: an AHL producer to be called up for depth needs in a pinch. He did not appear to be strongly considered for a full-time bottom-six role in training camp and pre-season, but the multi-use forward will likely see the odd call-up. These opportunities were not useful for fantasy-purposes last year so he is not going to be a preferred streaming option when this happens. Hayden Soboleski

February 2022 – The good news: Maltsev has been recalled to the Avalanche on multiple occasions this season and as a result has played 18 games and put up over 1 SOG and hit per game in that time. The bad news: He is averaging just 8 minutes per night and has just a single point to show for his time with the Avs. His AHL stats show a player capable of creating offense and killing penalties, but outside of a strong faceoff win rate he just has not been able to produce value in the limited minutes a fourth-liner gets in the NHL. He turns 24 soon and is still a bubble prospect despite his size and promise; fantasy owners should be hoping for a new home in a less deep organization. Hayden Soboleski

October 2021 – Maltsev has been called up for his first NHL audition with the Avs. Through two games so far playing just over 11 minutes per night, he has no points but is providing fantasy-relevant peripheral stats with 3 SOG and 3 hits. He isn’t taking many faceoffs, but his wins more than he loses. He may not be a full-timer, but he has solid value as a streaming option. Hayden Soboleski

October 2021 – Maltsev did not make the Avs roster out of preseason despite looking ready for a regular depth role. He has been assigned to the AHL Eagles for the time being, while journeymen Sikura and Matteau have received call-ups ahead of several younger candidates. This is all unexpected activity for the Avs, but if owners have the patience, Maltsev will see another shot at the NHL eventually. Hayden Soboleski

October 2021 – His role through training camp and pre-season has been in the bottom-six, but Maltsev has stood out on occasion and been very strong in the faceoff circle for the Avs so far. If he holds onto a roster spot, expect mild point production in addition to above-average FOW numbers in addition to over 1 SOG/game. The 23-year-old will be an RFA after the 2021-22 season and has shown good multi-category potential if he sticks in the lineup. Hayden Soboleski

July 2021 – Maltsev has been dealt to the Colorado Avalanche. Dave Hall

March 2021 – Maltsev was called upon eleven times so far for the Devils, accumulating four goals in that span. He was returned to Binghamton recently and scored a goal in his only game for them as of right now. As is the case for most Devils this season, he spent time all over the lineup, with wildly different linemates on an almost nightly basis. He should be back sooner than later, hopefully with a more stable lineup by then. Hadi Kalakeche

March 2020 – Maltsev is progressing along with ten more points in 20 games as the season came to a pause in Binghamton. His ability on the defensive side of things has been noticeable in improvement.  Chris Wassel 

January 2020 – Maltsev has transitioned decently enough to the AHL. He has 11 points in 29 games for Binghamton but has shown some offensive bright spots. The Russian needs to work on his ability to finish more consistently but should improve gradually.  Chris Wassel

May 2019 – Maltsev signed a three-year entry deal with the New Jersey Devils this week with an AAV of $925,000. That includes a signing bonus of $277,500 and performance bonuses which could reach as high as $347,500. The 21-year-old Russian has a European Assignment Clause as well. Maltsev could start the year in Binghamton as the left-winger will need to adapt to the North American game. Chris Wassel

April 2019 – Maltsev finished his season with SKA with three points in 17 playoff games. SKA was eliminated by CSKA. Now, the wait to see what happens next season. Chris Wassel

March 2019 – In two seasons, Maltsev has not progressed up the SKA depth chart. As a matter of fact, he finds himself playing more and more with SKA-Neva than the big club. This last year, he played 13 games for SKA and totaled two points. Maltsev played fourth-line minutes with SKA before being sent back down to the VHL once again. The 21-year-old’s skating has not improved as expected and doubt exists as to whether New Jersey will even sign the unsigned forward. Chris Wassel

April 2017 – Maltsev wrapped up a solid campaign featuring five goals, nine assists and a plus-11 in 14 games with the MHL’s SKA-1946, and in a longer tilt with SKA-Neva two goals and 12 assists with a plus-13 in 34 VHL contests. After dropping their second-round series in seven games to Rubin Tyumen, SKA-Neva’s promising forward’s final postseason totals are three goals and two assists in 11 games. Kevin Wickersham

January 2017 – A sizable, physical, hard-working forward with scoring prowess who is adept at both left-wing and center, Maltsev exhibits an impressive two-way game. Not the most naturally-gifted shooter or puck handler, he uses his size advantage and smooth, balanced skating to smartly move opponents out of his path to the net and do whatever it takes to gain position for a strong wrist shot, tip in, or key pass. Still growing at just 18 years of age, Maltsev is versatile and powerful enough to potentially serve as a bottom-six grinder with offensive instincts in the North American game. Skilled at forechecking, winning faceoffs, battling for pucks in the corners, and camping near the net on the power play and otherwise, Maltsev brings a valuable array of intangibles to the ice. Pat Quinn