The 282 Hits That Show Why Beck Malenstyn's $17.5 Million Deal Is Getting The League's Attention

Holy smokes, talk about a player getting paid for doing the dirty work! Just two days before he was set to hit free agency, the Buffalo Sabres locked down forward Beck Malenstyn with a massive six-year, $17.5 million deal on Monday. This isn't just some run-of-the-mill signing, folks, this is a clear signal about the kind of grind Malenstyn brings to the ice, and frankly, what every team should be looking for.

Malenstyn's Game Isn't About the Scoreboard, It's About the Grind

Let's be real, you look at the stat sheet and see 24 regular-season points across his first two seasons in Buffalo, with 11 goals and 13 assists. A career-high seven goals in 2025-26, that's solid, but not exactly lighting the lamp every night. So, why the big payday, right? Because Malenstyn makes his presence felt everywhere else, and it's absolutely electric to watch. This past season alone, he set a franchise record for hits with a ridiculous 282, which was fifth-most in the entire league! And he was second on the Sabres with 75 blocked shots. That's the kind of gritty, hard-nosed play we absolutely love to see from our guys, too. The dude is throwing himself in front of pucks and laying out opponents all over the ice. He even clocked the fastest skating speed in the NHL Edge era

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, hitting a mind-boggling 24.94 mph in a March game against the Capitals. No wonder the Sabres wanted to keep him around.

Taking the Next Step and Doubling Down

Malenstyn, at 28, knows his game. He said it himself, "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." But he definitely took advantage this year, adding, "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 new deal, averaging over $2.9 million annually, more than doubles his previous $1.35 million salary. Talk about a raise! The Sabres snagged him from the Capitals ahead of the 2024-25 season, and he immediately became a key part of their squad, helping them snap an NHL-record 14-year playoff drought this past season. Their run ended in the second round against the Montreal Canadiens, but you can bet Malenstyn's physical presence was felt every single shift. What does this mean for Malenstyn? He's proven his worth, especially with that relentless, physical style. We're talking about a player who brings that high-energy, smash-mouth hockey that every fan wants to see from their team. Here's to seeing him continue to bring that same level of intensity and speed to the ice.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.