For anyone watching ESPN or Disney Plus last week, they saw the Buffalo Sabres continue their hot streak by beating the Philadelphia Flyers, 5-3. Tage Thompson and captain Rasmus Dahlin made the headlines, but it was the unsung performance of another player that added a spark.
Beck Malenstyn played a key role and, despite being a forward and on the wing, he has provided a physicality that has gone beyond the stats and the highlights. While he only has five points in 34 games this season, he has been a key for the Sabres in clutch moments.
He had an incredible block during the game against the Flyers that was a small moment but if the Flyers scored they would have tied the score 4-4. Instead, the Sabres kept a one-goal lead and were able to add an empty netter to secure victory.
With a new front office regime in place, it will be important for role players to establish their roles and prove they belong on the ice as part of the Sabres playoff push.
Malenstyn currently has 117 hits on the season, which leads the team. It may not be noticed during the game by the fanbase or covered extensively, but it should not go unnoticed by the front office and his Sabres teammates.
Beck Malenstyn seems to be playing himself into a more prominent Sabres role as the season wears on
It will be important moving forward for him to find that niche. First, the Sabres will need someone to pair with Jordan Greenway to be an enforcer for the Sabres as more teams may be looking to compete with them for a wild-card spot. Malenstyn may be doing just that.
Also, the new general manager, Jarmo Kekalainen, will have many key decisions to make. One is in regard to whether to re-sign Alex Tuch. If other players step up, such as Malenstyn, it may give Kekalainen the ability to trade Tuch and build draft capital for the future.
Malenstyn currently is an impending unrestricted free agent, same as Tuch. Gaining another draft pick or possibly another defenseman for the months of March and April may be valuable. Teams may be looking to Malenstyn as a cheaper option than Tuch, which could make him a trade candidate.
Regardless of his future, Malenstyn currently is adding the extra things to Buffalo's lineup. That underrated impact may lead to big things for both him and the Sabres franchise for the next few seasons.