Earlier this off-season, the Buffalo Sabres signed forward Beck Malenstyn to a six-year, $17.5 million contract extension. The 28-year-old was a pending unrestricted free agent but ended up re-signing in Buffalo instead of testing the market.
While this is a long contract for a bottom-six forward, the Sabres made the right call bringing back Malenstyn.
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Malenstyn’s hard-nosed style of play, speed, and strong defensive play make him a very important part of the Sabres’ forward group. Playoff teams need heart-and-soul players like Malenstyn, so it is certainly good news that he will be staying in Buffalo as the Sabres look to build off their great 2025-26 season.
Furthermore, with the salary cap continuing to go up, Malenstyn’s $2.92 million cap hit is not too high for what he provides. The 28-year-old will continue to be a key part of the Sabres’ bottom six and make them a difficult team to go up against when he is on the ice.
In 81 games during this past season with the Sabres, Malenstyn posted seven goals, seven assists, 14 points, and a career-high 282 hits. If he can continue to play a solid defensive game and provide a lot of grit, it would be significant for a Sabres club that is looking to continue to get better.
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