Beck Malenstyn Skated 24.94 MPH and Nobody in the League Is Ready For What Buffalo Did Next

Alright, you gotta hear about this Sabres deal, because it's the kind of move that just screams "we're serious!" Buffalo locked up forward Beck Malenstyn, a 28-year-old absolute wrecking ball, to a six-year, $17.5 million contract this Monday. And get this, they did it just two days before he could even sniff free agency. That's a power move, plain and simple, the kind of commitment fans, even us here in the Emerald City, love to see from a franchise, showing they weren't about to let their fastest, hardest-hitting guy walk away after a season that broke a 14-year playoff drought.

The Numbers Tell a Story: Speed, Hits, and Heart

Forget the flashy goal scorers for a sec, Malenstyn is a different kind of beast, and Buffalo just paid for it. In his two seasons there, after coming over from the Capitals ahead of 2024-25, he’s put up 24 regular-season points, with 11 goals and 13 assists. He even hit a career-high seven goals this past season in 2025-26. But honestly, that’s just the appetizer. Where Malenstyn truly crushes it, literally, is in the physical game. The dude set a franchise record this past season with a mind-blowing 282 hits. That’s fifth-most in the entire league! And he didn't just hit people, he got in front of pucks too, finishing second on the Sabres with 75 blocked shots. Talk about laying it all on the line every single shift. Oh, and here’s the kicker: he recorded the fastest skating speed *ever* in the NHL Edge era, hitting a blistering 24.94 mph in a March game against the Capitals. Just think about that speed combined with that physicality. Pure madness. Malenstyn himself knows his game, saying, "Being somebody that tries to play that heavy, hard, fast, physical game all the time, I think there are moments where you may

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be 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." You love to hear a player talk about growing his game, even when he’s already a force.

A Payday Earned: Breaking the Drought

Let’s talk about that contract, because it’s a massive vote of confidence. Malenstyn’s new deal gives him just over $2.9 million annually, which more than doubles his previous $1.35 million salary with Buffalo. That’s a serious raise, and it’s well-deserved. Why? Because this guy was a huge part of the squad that finally snapped the Sabres' NHL-record 14-year playoff drought. Think about that weight, that history, and Malenstyn was right there, grinding it out. Their amazing playoff run came to an end in the second round against the Montreal Canadiens, but hey, getting there was a huge step for that franchise. This isn't just about Malenstyn's individual stats, it's about what he brings to the team's identity, that hard-nosed, relentless style that helps you win ugly games. Every team needs a player who sets the tone, who forces the action, and who plays with that kind of intensity. This is the kind of signing that shows a team is investing in its foundation, in the guys who make a real difference beyond the scoresheet. So, what’s next for Buffalo with Malenstyn locked in for six more years? They've clearly committed to a style of play, and with a guy who skates like a rocket and hits like a freight train, they’re going to be a tough out every single night. The next season will be all about building on that playoff appearance, and Malenstyn's return ensures they’ve got that undeniable grit leading the charge. You can bet fans are pumped to see what this high-speed, high-impact player brings to the ice for years to come.

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