The Buffalo Sabres have been one of the best teams in the entire NHL since early December. With such success comes a simple fact: they have been getting regular contributions from every part of their lineup.
In particular, one of the Sabres’ most exciting and consistent players has been a staple on their fourth line. This player has shown some of the greatest efforts out of everyone on the ice, thrown his body weight around with hits, and in fights as well, and on top of that, he has ALSO scored arguably the best goal of the season (skill-wise). That player deserves some recognition for what they have been doing. Let’s have a good look at the fourth-line stud named Beck Malenstyn.
Malenstyn Worked Hard to Earn His Spot
The Sabres acquired Malenstyn from the Washington Capitals on June 29, 2024, in exchange for the 43rd pick in that same year’s draft (which ended up being Cole Hutson, brother of star Montreal Canadiens defender Lane Hutson). When the trade was made at the time, it was met with some criticism and anger from fans, citing that former general manager (GM) Kevyn Adams paid too high a price for a fourth-line forward. Looking ahead to how Malenstyn has contributed to the Sabres’ success, I don’t think anyone is second-guessing the decision at all.
Since joining the Sabres in 2024, Malenstyn has only missed a total of seven games. His work ethic on every shift, combined with his physical and defensive abilities, has been so vital that head coach Lindy Ruff has rarely found a reason to substitute him out. When he needs a good shift or a rebound shift after a goal, Malenstyn is typically out there to help swing momentum back in their favor. Good, gritty work ethic like that does not grow on trees, and on top of that, Malenstyn has shown that he can contribute in every aspect of the game.
Malenstyn’s Best Contributions
While he is a defensive and physical fourth-line specialist more than anything, Malenstyn has contributed two of the most exciting goals for the team this season. His first one came in late November before they started their amazing tear, when he dangled his way around star Carolina Hurricanes player Sebastian Aho, and then buried the puck behind the goaltender to tie up the game and get the whole place buzzing.
Then, more recently, he pulled off another amazing play that was reminiscent of Minnesota Wild forward Matt Boldy’s goal from the USA vs Canada gold medal game.
He showed so much finesse and ability on these two plays that it will make anyone wonder how he is not used more often. The man can throw hits (leading the team with 228), throw punches to stand up for his teammates, block shots (64 as a forward), skate with the speed of a superstar, score beautiful goals, AND on top of all that, be a part of one of the best penalty kills in the entire league. The Sabres got an absolute bargain when they traded for him, and they need to do whatever it takes to keep him around long term. Losing his presence will not be an easy one to replace.
Ride the Wave of Malenstyn’s Energy
The Sabres have found good momentum with their core group, and using a player like Malenstyn to his full potential is a large part of that. The concept of “wasted potential” does not exist for a player that does everything in their power to be the best version of themself, and Malenstyn is the crux of what it means to be a hard-working hockey player. If GM Jarmo Kekalainen isn’t working out an extension as soon as possible, he is going to have a problem in the future.
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Do they need to throw big money at him? No, not by any means, but if they are able to keep a player like him around for another 3-4 seasons, the little bit of extra they could spend to keep him will be worth every penny. The Sabres inch themselves closer to a playoff berth with every passing game, and Malenstyn is a core piece of that success. Keep up the momentum with these rocking players, and ride that wave all the way to something bigger.
