Sabres bring back Beck Malenstyn on 6-year, $17.5 million contract

The Buffalo Sabres secured one of their top defensive forwards for the foreseeable future Monday, signing Beck Malenstyn to a six-year, $17.5 million contract extension before he was set to become an unrestricted free agent.

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The new deal carries an average annual value of approximately $2.9 million, a significant raise from the $1.35 million Malenstyn earned during each of his first two seasons in Buffalo. The extension reflects the impact the 28-year-old has made as a key contributor on the Sabres’ checking line and penalty-kill units.

Malenstyn delivered the best season of his NHL career in 2025-26, establishing himself as one of the league’s most physical forwards. He set a franchise single-season record with 282 hits while ranking second on the team with 75 blocked shots. Offensively, he also reached career highs with seven goals and 14 points, providing valuable depth throughout the lineup.

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Buffalo acquired Malenstyn from the Washington Capitals during the 2024 NHL Draft in exchange for a second-round pick. Since arriving with the Sabres, he has become a reliable bottom-six forward known for his physical style, defensive awareness and willingness to play in difficult situations.

Originally breaking into the NHL with Washington, Malenstyn spent four seasons with the Capitals before making the move to Buffalo. His combination of toughness, penalty-killing ability and consistent effort quickly earned him an important role with the Sabres.