The Buffalo Sabres have emerged from their summer hibernation with exciting news to share with their fans. In a move that may seem minor to some, but could have major implications for the team, they have inked a two-year contract with forward Beck Malenstyn. Hailing from British Columbia, Malenstyn has secured this deal thanks to his impressive performance in his first full NHL season, which has earned him an average annual salary of $1.35 million.
Malenstyn’s journey to this point has been a mix of highs and lows. While he did make appearances with the Washington Capitals over the past two seasons, playing in 21 games, he primarily honed his skills with the Hershey Bears in the AHL. It was during his time with the Bears that Malenstyn played a significant role in helping the team clinch the Calder Cup title in 2023. Despite not putting up eye-popping numbers, his contributions on the ice did not go unnoticed. In a total of 225 games with Hershey, he tallied 30 goals and 27 assists, paving the way for his full-time promotion to the Caps for the 2023-24 season.
During his time with Washington in the past season, Malenstyn proved his worth with an average ice time of 14:15 per game, showcasing his hard-hitting style with 241 hits and contributing 21 points while regularly killing penalties. It’s clear that his work ethic and dedication to the game have not gone unnoticed, leading to his new contract with the Sabres.
Some may view this signing as a calculated risk for the struggling Sabres, but given the team’s abundance of cap space, it’s a gamble worth taking. If Malenstyn can continue to build on his strong performance from last season and bring the same level of grit to Buffalo, it could prove to be a mutually beneficial arrangement. His presence in the team’s bottom-six forward group could add depth and toughness, qualities that are always in demand in the NHL.
Ultimately, the addition of Beck Malenstyn to the Buffalo Sabres roster is a move that has the potential to pay dividends for the team. With his work ethic, physical play, and ability to chip in offensively, he could become a valuable asset as the Sabres look to climb their way back up the standings. Only time will tell how this signing will impact the team, but one thing is for certain – the Sabres are betting on Malenstyn to bring his A-game to Buffalo.
Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
What will this signing mean for the Sabres moving forward? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Beck Malenstyn is ready to make his mark in Buffalo and help the team reach new heights.
