Buffalo Sabres restricted free agent left-wing Beck Malenstyn was one of 14 players to file for salary arbitration prior to Friday’s 5 PM deadline to do so just six days after being acquired from the Washington Capitals.
Malenstyn was dealt by Washington for the 42nd overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft (defenseman Cole Hutson).
GM Brian MacLellan told the media after the draft that he was not looking to deal the 26-year-old but the opportunity to pick Hutson was too good to pass up.
Malenstyn, 26, established himself as a full-time NHL player in 2023-24, posting six goals, 21 points, and a .4091 five-on-five expected goals-for percentage in a checking-line role. Malenstyn, who appeared in all four of Washington’s postseason games in April, reportedly received some interest leading up to the trade deadline.
In 105 career NHL games, Malenstyn has posted eight goals and 24 points.
Malenstyn, who led Washington forwards in shorthanded ice time-per-game (2:37) last season, won the Calder Cup with the AHL’s Hershey Bears in 2023 and recorded four goals and eight points in 20 postseason games to help the team win their first of back-to-back championships.
Salary arbitration hearings will take place from July 20 through August 4 in Toronto. Teams can file for such hearings with restricted free agents before Saturday at 5 PM ET. Carolina Hurricanes center Martin Necas, who has been in trade rumors this summer, and New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren were among the other 13 to file.
Reminder: Players who elect for salary arbitration are not eligible for sign offer sheets. https://t.co/9XWHwaKEtg
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 5, 2024
By Harrison Brown
