Until about two weeks ago, the Buffalo Sabres trading a second-round NHL Draft pick to the Washington Capitals for winger Beck Malenstyn seemed like another complete blunder by general manager Kevyn Adams.
Malenstyn, who arrived to Buffalo in June 2024, has suddenly transformed into one of the Sabres' most effective players, though. It's an out-of-nowhere hot streak highlighted by a dazzling goal that'll probably make some Top 10 lists at the end of the 2025-26 season.
The 6-foot-3 Canadian has recorded four points (three goals and one assists) across the Blue and Gold's last seven games. He's also recorded 23 hits, 15 shots on goal and eight blocks over that span.
Malenstyn's high-energy style of play is bolstered by the fact he ranks in the 99th percentile of the league's players based on max skating speed at 24.06 mph, according to NHL EDGE. No opponent wants to see him flying at full speed to deliver a high-velocity check.
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff recently praised the sixth-year forward for embracing his role.
"His skating, he can get there for first touch," Ruff told Bill Hoppe of the Times Herald. "If we need energy, he can track anybody down, get a big hit for us. His penalty killing has been good. He's a big part of the reason that we're at where we're at with out penalty killing. Part of his penalty killing is his shot blocking, that fearless mentality. So he fits the role we have him in."
It's unclear whether Malenstyn will be able to maintain the recent rate of his offensive contributions (history suggests probably not) but his defensive involvement is still bringing a lot of value to the table for Buffalo.
Malenstyn's most recent goal came in Saturday's 3-2 shootout win against the Minnesota Wild, who were riding a seven-game winning streak, which leads us into the latest installment of our Sabres player grades series.
Buffalo Sabres' fourth line shines in crucial Nov. 29 win over the Minnesota Wild
Sabres player grades
Player | Grade (1-10) |
|---|---|
Beck Malenstyn | 9 |
Josh Doan | 8.5 |
Nosh Ostlund | 8.5 |
Peyton Krebs | 8 |
Owen Power | 8 |
Alex Tuch | 8 |
Josh Dunne | 7.5 |
Jacob Bryson | 7.5 |
Colten Ellis | 7.5 |
Tyson Kozak | 7 |
Bowen Byram | 7 |
Mattias Samuelsson | 6.5 |
Rasmus Dahlin | 6.5 |
Zach Benson | 6 |
Tage Thompson | 5.5 |
Conor Timmins | 4.5 |
Jason Zucker | 2 |
Jack Quinn | 2 |
Ryan McLeod | 1.5 |
Buffalo Player of the Game: Beck Malenstyn
Malenstyn's latest strong outing was part of a terrific night for the Sabres' fourth line, also featuring Peyton Krebs and Josh Dunne. The trio regularly tilted the ice in Buffalo's favor, and combined for the team's opening goal in the first period.
Getting any production from the bottom of the lineup has been a problem for the Blue and Gold for several years now. So, seeing the duo of Krebs and Malenstyn pick up some serious steam alongside a rotating cast of linemates is a promising sign.
That said, the Sabres simply haven't been able to put it all together this season. At different times, they've received strong goaltending, elite play from their superstars and meaningful contributions from players at the bottom of the lineup. It just hasn't all happened at the same time.
So, the elements are there for Buffalo to turn a corner and start climbing the Eastern Conference standings, but it's going to take the entire roster finding a groove together.
Sabres quick hits
- Owen Power has played better in recent games, but the Sabres still need him to get far more involved offensively, both at even strength and on the power play.
- Colten Ellis kept Buffalo close amid the team's sluggish start and deserves more consistent starts for the foreseeable future.
- A poor night for the line of Jason Zucker, Ryan McLeod and Jack Quinn.
- Noah Ostlund showcased his unique offensive skill while scoring the shootout winner.
- The Sabres (10-11-4) are back in action Monday night (7:30 p.m. ET) when they take on the Winnipeg Jets (13-11-0) at the KeyBank Center in downtown Buffalo.