This new Buffalo Sabres forward could take another step forward in 2024-25.
The Buffalo Sabres made several additions to their roster for the 2024-25 season this summer. It is understandable, as they extended their playoff drought to 13 years and are looking to break it this upcoming campaign.
One notable move the Sabres made this offseason was acquiring Beck Malenstyn from the Washington Capitals in exchange for the 43rd overall pick of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft (Cole Hutson). While Malenstyn is a bit of an under-the-radar player, he has the potential to be a hit for the Sabres from here.
Malenstyn, 26, took a big step forward in his development with the Capitals this past season. After appearing in just 24 NHL games from 2019-20 to 2022-23, Malenstyn cemented himself a spot in the Capitals' bottom six and became a solid contributor to their group. In 81 games, the 2016 fifth-round pick posted new career highs with six goals, 15 assists, and 21 points. In addition, he proved to be a significant force with his physicality, recording a whopping 241 hits.
Beck Malenstyn
© Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Overall, Malenstyn showed this past season that he can be an impactful bottom-six forward. However, at the same time, it would not be particularly surprising if we see him hit a new level next season with the Sabres. The 2023-24 campaign was the first time he spent an entire season at the NHL level. Thus, he is still very much adjusting to the sport's most competitive league and has the potential to break out even further in 2024-25.
It will be very interesting to see what kind of season Malenstyn can put together for the Sabres in 2024-25 from here. He has the potential to be quite a solid addition to the Sabres' group.
