Capitals Trade Beck Malenstyn To Sabres

LAS VEGAS — The Washington Capitals have traded Beck Malenstyn to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for the 43rd overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

General manager Brian MacLellan announced the trade shortly before the start of the second round, as the team opts to move up and gain another second rounder for their fourth line forward.

Related: Capitals Take Terik Parascak With 17th Overall Pick In 2024 NHL Draft

Malenstyn is a restricted free agent and had received a qualifying offer from the Capitals.

The 26-year-old has been with the Washington organization since being taken in the fifth round of the 2016 NHL Draft.

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Malenstyn led the Capitals in defensive zone starts last season and was first over the boards on the penalty kill, while he also showed strong chemistry with Nic Dowd. He is a gritty identity player who also led all forwards in hits this past season.

It’s a difficult decision to make, but a second-round pick is a strong return for a fourth liner.

Washington used that selection to take defenseman Cole Hutson from the U.S. National Team Development Program.