The Buffalo Sabres look ready to keep one of their hardest-working forwards for a long time. As the NHL offseason continues, the team is trying to keep important role players instead of only adding big-name stars.

That plan is close to becoming official. Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Buffalo is close to signing a new long-term contract with one of its key bottom-six forwards.

The Sabres are expected to sign Beck Malenstyn to a six-year contract worth about $18 million. Until the 2031-32 season, the deal would keep the 28-year-old winger in Buffalo.

The Sabres got Malenstyn from the Washington Capitals in 2024. He is not a big scorer, but he brings speed, plays a physical game, defends well, and works hard on every shift.

Elliotte Friedman reported on X that the deal is close to being finished. Sportsnet also said the Buffalo Sabres are finalizing the $18 million contract structure.

"I assume this will be finalized tomorrow, but hearing tonight that Beck Malenstyn will re-sign in Buffalo. Around 6 x $3M", Friedman reported. 

Sportsnet added that Buffalo views Beck Malenstyn as an important bottom-six player. The team values his speed, physical play, and strong forechecking more than scoring.

The expected $3 million average yearly salary fits his role as a depth and energy forward. Since joining from the Washington Capitals in 2024, he has earned more trust in defensive situations and steady ice time. The deal also shows Buffalo wants to keep its depth group stable as the team grows.

Long-Term Fit Driven by Stability and Role Value

Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic reported that Beck Malenstyn wanted a long-term contract. He saw free agency as a chance to get more security.

Fairburn said both sides agreed on a six-year deal, which led to the $18 million extension.

In two seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, Malenstyn has 11 goals and 24 points in 157 games. He plays under 11 minutes per game, but his main value comes from his physical play and defensive work, not scoring.

Pro Hockey Rumors reported that Beck Malenstyn is valuable because of his speed and strong forechecking. These skills make him useful in a bottom-six role.

He was drafted 145th overall by the Washington Capitals in 2016 and later moved to the Buffalo Sabres in a trade involving Cole Hutson.

Even though he does not score much, Buffalo has still gained steady value from him because of his speed, effort, and physical style. This shows the team focuses more on depth and structure than scoring alone.

What do you think? Can a long-term contract built around speed, physical play, and depth value still stay useful deep into its later years? Let us know in the comments. 

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi