More and more it looks like the Sabres will be dealing at the trade deadline this season. They are at the bottom of the league in the standings, and will be looking to build for the future with assets.
One player that could be an option is Beck Malenstyn. Despite coming over from a trade with Washington a year ago, he has limited minutes due to injuries and being lower on the lines on the left side of the ice.
Being on the fourth line has hurt his minutes and he is averaging just over 10 minutes a game. He does however, have 125 hits on the season. He is second on the team behind Connor Clifton.
He was brought in more for his physicality and being a big enforcer. If Buffalo wanted to be more physical, than Malenstyn could stay.
Especially if Jordan Greenway's injuries continue to become an issue entering the offseason. Greenway hasn't been in the lineup since November due to injury.
Last season, with Washington, the 27-year-old Malenstyn tallied almost 250 hits for the playoff bound Capitals. He would be a huge presence for physicality if any team was looking for an enforcer entering the postseason.
Unfortunately, that will not be the Sabres this season unless they have a magical turnaround. They currently have 49 points and are last in the Wild Card standings in the Eastern Conference.
The talk of Dylan Cozens being traded is heating up and many others could be called upon this month. Would Malenstyn be one of those?
Despite his physicality, he only has nine points on the year.
The main reason to trade for him would be to add more physicality to a third or fourth line. His contract currently only accounts for 1.53% of Buffalo's salary cap.
Next season, his contract goes down to 1.41%. Any team that chooses to trade for him, they would be making a cap friendly trade to acquire his assets.
He may also be added along with a player like Cozens or Bowen Byram. His addition in the trade could allow Kevyn Adams to gain more draft picks or additional money and capital.
Despite being a low scorer, he has been a deciding factor in a few bright spots for Buffalo this season. In an early victory in October against the Blackhawks, he added an important goal allowing the Sabres to go up 2-0, in what would be a 4-2 win.
Buffalo has a good decision to make in regards to Malenstyn. Whether keeping him or trading him, either way they'll have assets.