The Buffalo Sabres have taken a break from their summer vacation to announce some news. They have signed forward Beck Malenstyn to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.35 million. The British Columbia native secured the deal after a successful first full NHL season.
### Beck Malenstyn’s Journey to a New Contract
Beck Malenstyn’s career has had its challenges. At 26, he has played five full professional seasons but missed the entire 2020-21 season due to an Achilles injury. Over the next two seasons, Malenstyn spent some time with the Washington Capitals, appearing in 21 games, but primarily developed in the AHL with the Hershey Bears. During his four seasons with Hershey, he recorded 30 goals and 27 assists in 225 games and contributed significantly to their 2023 Calder Cup title.
In the 2023-24 season, Malenstyn earned a full-time spot with the Capitals, playing 81 games and averaging 14:15 minutes per game. Known for his hard play, he accumulated 241 hits and regularly killed penalties, contributing 21 points.
### Impact on the Sabres
For the Buffalo Sabres, signing Malenstyn is a calculated risk. If he continues to improve, he could be a valuable addition to their bottom-six forwards. With ample cap space, the Sabres can afford this player-friendly deal, hoping Malenstyn brings the grit they need. If his performance last season is any indication, this signing could be a win-win for the Sabres.
