The Buffalo Sabres are making waves in the hockey world as they gear up for the start of free agency. Late Sunday night, the team secured a significant re-signing, bringing back Beck Malenstyn on a six-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $3 million, as reported by Elliotte Friedman.
Malenstyn's journey with the Sabres began in 2024 when Buffalo acquired him for a second-round pick while he was a restricted free agent. Initially signing a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.375 million, Malenstyn has now seen his value double, reflecting the Sabres' confidence in his contributions.
This new contract isn't just about the pay raise; it's a testament to Malenstyn's impact on the ice. Last season, he was a pivotal force on the Sabres' fourth line, notching seven goals and seven assists.
But what really set him apart was his physical presence-leading the team with 282 hits and ranking fifth in the NHL in that category. His playoff performance was equally impressive, with three points in 13 games, 42 hits, and 10 blocked shots.
Malenstyn's role extends beyond just energy and forechecking. He has been integral to the Sabres' penalty kill, boasting the lowest expected goals against (xGA) among Sabres' skaters with over 100 minutes on the penalty kill, according to Natural Stat Trick. His defensive prowess and ability to disrupt opponents make him a key asset in Buffalo's lineup.
As the Sabres look ahead, they have two restricted free agents left to address: Peyton Krebs and the newly acquired Olen Zellweger. With Malenstyn's $3 million AAV, the Sabres have just under $10.8 million in cap space. The expectation is high for Zellweger to return, especially after the Sabres invested a second-round pick and prospect Anton Wahlberg to acquire him during the NHL Draft weekend.
Krebs' future, however, remains a bit more uncertain. Securing him would be a significant victory for the Sabres, adding another layer of talent to their roster. If Buffalo manages to sign both Krebs and Zellweger without any further trades or buyouts, their cap space for additional free agency activity will be tight.
Yet, given how proactive General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen has been, it's likely the Sabres have a few more strategic moves up their sleeve before free agency kicks off on July 1st. The coming days will be crucial as Buffalo looks to solidify its roster and make a splash in the upcoming season.
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Elliotte Friedman reported that Edmonton has interest, and the fit makes sense from the Oilers side because their contract situation in goal leaves them little room to stand pat. For Buffalo, the bigger question is whether Levi still has enough value as a trade chip before the decision becomes even more difficult, since a move back to Rochester would not be a simple option if the Sabres want to keep him in the organization. [Read more 🡒]
Former Sabres Defenseman Just Forced A Tough Trade Debate Again
Michael Kesselrings long-term future in San Jose is now set after the Sharks locked up the former Sabres defenseman on a three-year extension. The deal carries a $4.5 million annual cap hit and buys out one restricted free agent season plus two years of unrestricted free agency, a clear sign the Sharks see him as more than just a short-term add for a rebuilding blue line.
For Buffalo, the move keeps the trade conversation alive because Kesselring was never going to be judged in a vacuum. His run with the Sabres was uneven, with limited offense and a playoff stretch that left him on the outside far more often than not, and now his new contract raises the same old question about whether Buffalo moved too early or simply moved on from a player who fit better elsewhere. The fact that he is already part of a thin pool of experienced Sharks defensemen only adds another layer to a deal that still invites second-guessing. [Read more 🡒]