Washington Capitals acquire 43rd overall pick from Buffalo Sabers for Beck Malenstyn – NoVa Caps

The Washington Capitals announced Saturday morning that the team has acquired the 43rd overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft later in the 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 has established himself as a full-time NHL player in 2023-24, recording six goals, 21 points and a .4091 expected goals percentage at five-on-five as a defenseman. Malenstyn, who appeared in all four of Washington’s postseason games in April, reportedly drew some interest ahead of the trade deadline.

In 105 career NHL games, Malenstyn has eight goals and 24 points.

Malenstyn won the Calder Cup with the AHL’s Hershey Bears in 2023 and had four goals and eight points in 20 playoff games to help the team win the championship.

The Capitals, who currently have a salary cap hit of $7,135,000 with Nicklas Backstrom (hip) expected to remain on the long-term injured list next season, also hold the 52nd overall pick in the second round. They acquired this pick from the Vegas Golden Knights in the trade that sent left winger Anthony Mantha to Sin City 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 eligible for salary arbitration) set to become a restricted free agent on Monday.