Former Capitals forward signed a two-year contract worth $2.70 million with the Buffalo Sabres, averaging $1.35 million annually. Malenstyn, previously a restricted free agent who opted for arbitration, reached an agreement with the Sabres on July 23, thereby avoiding arbitration entirely. The new deal keeps Malenstyn under the Sabres’ control through his final restricted free agency season and his first year of unrestricted free agency in 2025-26, as per Puck Pedia.
This contract represents a $587k increase from Malenstyn’s previous deal with the Capitals. Buffalo acquired Malenstyn during the 2024 NHL Draft, trading a second-round pick back to Washington, which was used to select defenseman Cole Hutson 43rd overall.
Malenstyn’s arrival in Buffalo was part of a series of offseason moves by the Sabres, including reuniting him with former linemate Nicolas Aube-Kubel from their time on the Capitals’ fourth line. Aube-Kubel praised Malenstyn’s hard-playing style and attention to detail, highlighting his defensive contributions and leadership qualities.
After winning the 2023 Calder Cup with the Hershey Bears, Malenstyn achieved career highs in goals (6), assists (15), and points (21) during the 2023-24 NHL season, his first full season in the league. Known for his defensive prowess, Malenstyn led Capitals forwards in blocked shots (93) and ranked among the NHL leaders in shorthanded ice time (211:32) and hits (241).
Leave a Reply