Former Capitals forward signed a two-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres worth $2.70 million, averaging $1.35 million per year.
Malenstyn, previously a restricted free agent who opted for arbitration, reached an agreement with the Sabres on July 23, thus avoiding arbitration. This deal ensures the Sabres control Malenstyn through his final restricted free agency season and his first year of unrestricted free agency in 2025-26, according to Puck Pedia. The new contract represents a $587,000 increase over Malenstyn’s previous deal with the Capitals.
Malenstyn joined Buffalo after being traded by the Capitals during the second day of the 2024 NHL Draft, with Buffalo returning their second-round pick. The Capitals subsequently used this pick to select promising defenseman Cole Hutson at 43rd overall.
We have agreed to terms with forward Beck Malenstyn on a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.35 million.
Details → https://t.co/OoPjs90Zma pic.twitter.com/JtFppnkGmz
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) July 23, 2024
The Sabres made several significant moves in the offseason, including reuniting Malenstyn with former Capitals linemate Nicolas Aube-Kubel on the fourth line.
Aube-Kubel remarked on playing with Malenstyn: “It was a pleasure playing with him this year. He’s a tough opponent to face. I first noticed that when we played against each other in the American League. Playing alongside him, I appreciated not just his shot-blocking ability but also his attention to detail and commitment to playing a sound, safe game.”
Following a successful stint with the Hershey Bears, culminating in the 2023 Calder Cup victory, Malenstyn achieved career highs in goals (6), assists (15), and points (21) during his first full NHL season in 2023-24. The 6-foot-3 forward ranked third in the league in shorthanded ice time (211:32) and 12th in hits (241) that season, while leading all Capitals forwards with 93 blocked shots.
The Buffalo Sabres have their sights set on ending their 13-season playoff drought.
What grade would you give their offseason moves? #LetsGoBuffalo pic.twitter.com/fCrKJtiaXC
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) July 13, 2024
Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery primarily utilized Malenstyn in defensive situations, deploying him for 562 defensive-zone faceoffs at 5-on-5, the third-highest total in the NHL.
Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams highlighted Malenstyn’s attributes upon acquiring him: “He’s a direct, hard player who delivers impactful hits. We identified a real need for his style of play.”
The Sabres, who have missed the playoffs for 13 consecutive seasons, appointed Lindy Ruff as head coach in April and have yet to finalize contracts with restricted free agents Peyton Krebs and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
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