The Buffalo Sabres have multiple pending unrestricted free agents heading into the summer, with Alex Tuch being the most notable. Given Tuch's importance to the club, the Sabres will certainly be hoping to keep him in Buffalo. Yet, the Sabres have another pending UFA who they should be working very hard to keep around in Beck Malenstyn. While Malenstyn is not a star, he is exactly the kind of hard-nosed player that the Sabres need on their roster as they look to build off their amazing 2025-26 season. The 28-year-old's speed, grit, and strong defensive play have helped him become an important part of the Sabres' roster. Due to this, losing him would create a notable hole in their lineup. If the Sabres successfully re-sign Malenstyn, he will continue to be a nice part of their bottom six and penalty kill. With the Sabres looking to be legitimate contenders, they need big defensive forwards who provide plenty of energy and toughness like Malenstyn. Thus, he is a player that they need to work hard to keep in Buffalo. In 81 games this season with Buffalo, Malenstyn recorded seven goals, 14 points, and a career-high 282 hits, which is a new Sabres single-season record. He also posted a goal and two assists in 13 playoff games. Overall, it was a solid year from the 2016 fifth-round pick, and it will be intriguing to see if the Sabres are able to keep him in Buffalo from here.
