The Buffalo Sabres have successfully secured the services of their impactful forward, Beck Malenstyn, with a new six-year contract valued at $17.5 million. This pivotal agreement, finalized on a Monday, precedes his impending free agency by only a couple of days, ensuring his continued presence on the team's roster. Malenstyn, a dynamic player, has been instrumental in the Sabres' recent successes, bringing a blend of offensive contribution and formidable physical presence to the ice.
Malenstyn, at 28 years of age, joined the Buffalo Sabres organization prior to the 2024-25 season, having been acquired in a trade with the Washington Capitals. In his initial two seasons with Buffalo, he accumulated a respectable 24 regular-season points, comprising 11 goals and 13 assists. Notably, during the 2025-26 season, he achieved a personal best with seven goals, showcasing his growing offensive capabilities within the team's structure.
Beyond his scoring contributions, Malenstyn has distinguished himself through his robust physical play. Last season, he established a new franchise record by delivering an astonishing 282 hits, ranking him fifth across the entire league. Furthermore, his defensive efforts were evident as he finished second on the Sabres with 75 blocked shots, highlighting his all-around commitment on the ice. His tenacity and willingness to engage physically have made him a crucial component of the team's strategy.
Adding to his impressive resume, Malenstyn also holds the record for the fastest skating speed recorded in the NHL Edge era, which began in the 2021-22 season. He achieved an electrifying speed of 24.94 mph during a March game against his former team, the Capitals, demonstrating his exceptional athleticism and speed. This combination of speed, skill, and physicality underscores his value to the Sabres.
The forward himself expressed his continuous effort to evolve his game. He noted, "Being somebody that tries to play that heavy, hard, fast, physical game all the time, I think there are moments where you maybe create a little bit more space for yourself and don't take advantage of them. ... I think I was able to take a step in that direction this year, create a little bit more offense when I was on the ice." This reflects his dedication to refining his offensive output while maintaining his trademark aggressive style.
His new contract represents a significant increase in his annual earnings, with an average salary of just over $2.9 million per year, more than double his previous $1.35 million with the Sabres. This substantial raise is a testament to his impact and the organization's belief in his future contributions. Malenstyn played a vital role in helping the Sabres break an NHL-record 14-year playoff drought this past season, with their postseason journey concluding in the second round against the formidable Montreal Canadiens. This new deal cements his position as a cornerstone player for Buffalo as they aim for continued success.
