Washington Capitals Acquire 43rd Overall Pick From Buffalo Sabres For Beck Malenstyn

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The Washington Capitals announced on Saturday morning that the team has acquired the 43rd overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft later that day from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for left-wing Beck Malenstyn, who can become a restricted free agent on Monday and is eligible for salary arbitration.

The 26-year-old 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.

The Capitals, who currently have $7,135,000 in NHL salary cap space with Nicklas Backstrom (hip) expected to remain on long-term injured reserve next season, also have the 52nd overall pick in the second round. They acquired that pick from the Vegas Golden Knights in the trade that sent left-wing Anthony Mantha to the desert on March 5.

The team now has 10 forwards, seven defensemen, and one goaltender under contract for the 2024-25 campaign with center Connor McMichael (not salary arbitration eligible) set to become a restricted free agent on Monday. The team expressed desire to shake up their defensive group entering the weekend.

Washington acquired center Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Los Angeles Kings for goaltender Darcy Kuemper on June 19 before they got right-wing Andrew Mangiapane from the Calgary Flames for the Colorado Avalanche’s 2025 second-round pick on Thursday.

By Harrison Brown

About Harrison Brown

Harrison is a diehard Caps fan and a hockey fanatic with a passion for sports writing. He attended his first game at age 8 and has been a season ticket holder since the 2010-2011 season. His fondest Caps memory was watching the Capitals hoist the Stanley Cup in Las Vegas. In his spare time, he enjoys travel, photography, and hanging out with his two dogs. Follow Harrison on Twitter @HarrisonB927077



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