The Buffalo Sabres made a smart move by signing Beck Malenstyn to a two-year, $2.7 million contract, thus avoiding salary arbitration. The 26-year-old forward was a restricted free agent who had chosen to go to arbitration earlier this month.
Malenstyn was acquired by the Sabres in a trade with the Washington Capitals during the NHL draft in Las Vegas. The Capitals received a second-round pick in exchange for Malenstyn, who is known for his physical style of play as a left winger.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 200 pounds, Malenstyn brings a strong physical presence to the Sabres’ fourth line, which is expected to undergo significant changes under new coach Lindy Ruff. Ruff is returning to coach the Sabres for a second time, and he will likely appreciate Malenstyn’s toughness on the ice.
Originally drafted by the Capitals in the fifth round of the 2016 draft, Malenstyn is coming off his first full season in the NHL. In 81 games, he scored six goals and tallied 21 points. Hailing from Delta, British Columbia, Malenstyn has accumulated a total of eight goals and 24 points in his 105-game NHL career.
This signing indicates that the Sabres are looking to add depth and physicality to their roster, which could help them compete in the upcoming season. With Malenstyn on board, the team is taking steps to strengthen its lineup and provide support for its core players.
Overall, this move showcases the Sabres’ commitment to building a competitive team and making strategic decisions to improve their chances of success in the NHL. Malenstyn’s signing is a positive development for the team and its fans, as they look forward to seeing him in action on the ice in the near future.