© Beck Malenstyn #47 of the Washington Capitals in action during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on March 13, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Beck Malenstyn signed a two-year, $2.7 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday. It has an average annual value of $1.35 million.

On July 5, the forward, aged 26 and a restricted free agent, submitted his request for salary arbitration.

Malenstyn, who was exchanged to the Sabres by the Washington Capitals on June 29 in return for a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, achieved a personal best in his NHL career with 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) throughout 81 regular-season games, playing for the Capitals last season.

With 241 hits, Malenstyn topped the Capitals’ leaderboard, while also racking up 93 blocked shots, making him the leading forward in both categories.

“In June, the Sabres website quoted general manager Kevyn Adams expressing the significance of having a player who is direct, tough, and excels at delivering hard checks. He emphasized the team’s genuine need for such a player.”

Malenstyn, who was chosen by Washington in the fifth round (No. 145) of the 2016 NHL Draft, has accumulated a total of 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists) throughout 105 regular-season games. However, he has yet to score any points in the four Stanley Cup Playoff games he has participated in.

Forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel, who signed a one-year contract with the Sabres on July 1, was teammates with Malenstyn on the Capitals last season.

Aube-Kubel expressed his delight in playing alongside him throughout the entire year, as he shared with the Sabres website. He acknowledged the challenge of facing him in the American League, highlighting his toughness as a player. Additionally, Aube-Kubel emphasized the significance of the little things he brings to the game, such as shot blocks and attention to detail. He commended his teammate for consistently playing a safe and effective style of hockey. Overall, it was a gratifying experience for Aube-Kubel to have the opportunity to play alongside him during the year.

Malenstyn is one of two Sabres players who had an arbitration hearing schedule, along with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

Last season, the goalie, who was 25-years-old at the time, played in 54 games (51 as a starter). During this time, they achieved a record of 27 wins, 22 losses, and 4 ties, with a goals-against average of 2.57. Additionally, they maintained a save percentage of .910 and managed to achieve five shutouts.