Sabres Made Right Decision Bringing Back Gritty Forward

Earlier this off-season, the Buffalo Sabres signed forward Beck Malenstyn to a six-year, $17.5 million contract extension. The 28-year-old was a pending unrestricted free agent but ended up re-signing in Buffalo instead of testing the market.While this is a long contract for a bottom-six forward, the Sabres made the right call bringing back Malenstyn.Malenstyn's hard-nosed style of play, speed, and strong defensive play make him a very important part of the Sabres' forward group. Playoff teams need heart-and-soul players like Malenstyn, so it is certainly good news that he will be staying in Buffalo as the Sabres look to build off their great 2025-26 season.Furthermore, with the salary cap continuing to go up, Malenstyn's $2.92 million cap hit is not too high for what he provides. The 28-year-old will continue to be a key part of the Sabres' bottom six and make them a difficult team to go up against when he is on the ice.In 81 games during this past season with the Sabres, Malenstyn posted seven goals, seven assists, 14 points, and a career-high 282 hits. If he can continue to play a solid defensive game and provide a lot of grit, it would be significant for a Sabres club that is looking to continue to get better.