Sabres Sign Offseason Acquisition Beck Malenstyn

The Buffalo Sabres and Beck Malenstyn were headed to arbitration, but the sides have settled on a two-year, $1.35 million AAV deal beforehand.

Beck Malenstyn and Buffalo have a settlement at 2 x $1.35M
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 23, 2024

The Washington Capitals changed quite a bit in the offseason and one of their moves was trading Malenstyn to the Sabres in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick (43rd overall). The Sabres have enough young talent and are trying to get competitive enough to make the playoffs. The trade figured into that equation.

Malenstyn is 26 years old and has mostly played in the AHL throughout his career since turning pro. He completed his first full season in the NHL in 2023-24, scoring six goals and 21 points in 81 games. He has never been an offensive producer, but the Sabres know exactly what they are getting.

A second-round pick was a high price, but the cap hit the team signed him to was fair as he brings a lot more to the table and isn't a player counted on to produce offensively. Malenstyn figures to fit into the fourth line, but will be competing for playing time with a number of other young players on the team for the two years. The Sabres saved any hassle by getting a deal done ahead of time and not going to arbitration.