Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Capitals have re-signed forward Beck Malenstyn to a two-year, $1.525 million contract, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today. The first year of Malenstyn’s contract will be a two-way contract ($750,000/$110,000), while the second year will be a one-way contract ($775,000).
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Malenstyn, 24, scored one goal in 12 games with the Capitals during the 2021-22 season. Malenstyn recorded his first career NHL goal and point on Nov. 30 against the Florida Panthers and was one of nine Capitals rookies to score their first career goal last season. In addition, the 6’3″, 200-pound forward registered 34 hits in 12 games from Nov. 24 to Dec. 19, which ranked first on the team in that span. In 15 career NHL games with the Capitals, Malenstyn has recorded one goal and +1 plus/minus rating.
The Delta, British Columbia, native recorded 16 points (10g, 6a) in 65 games with the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) last season, establishing an AHL career high in goals and tying a career high in points. Malenstyn finished the season ranked tied for third on Hershey in game-winning goals (3) and sixth in games played. Malenstyn appeared in all three of Hershey’s playoff games, recording one goal. In 185 career AHL career games with Hershey, Malenstyn has recorded 47 points (24g, 23a).
The Capitals selected Malenstyn with their fifth-round pick, 24th overall, in the 2016 NHL Draft.
I have long been a Beck fan. I prefer him on fourth line to AJF. While AJF brings a lot more speed, I think Malenstyn will actually score more goals and bring a physical element. With these signings, i wonder if the caps will move one of Leason, Malensyn, or AJF. We can’t play all of them but they are NHL’ers. Gonna have to pick. I’d rather do it in the offseason than middle of season or at TDL.
Actually youcould play all 3on the same line: AJF on LF, Leason C and Malensyn at RW. So you can keep all 3 as AJF replaces Hagelin; Leason could take over #3C with Eller and McMichael playing the #2C and Eller backing up Leason at the #3C and Malensyn taking over Wilsons slot. And if necessary any of the 3 can play wing.
Axel or Back “The Check” in the Hagelin spot? I can make a good argument for both.
Keep in mind that Leason does not play center. Don’t think he ever has. He is purely a RW. Malenstyn is listed as LW/C and I believe he has played some center in Hershey (Jon can confirm). AJF is left stick/LW but not sure if he plays on the right occasionally. Seems like most of our LW (Mantha, Sheary, Protas can play on either side. probably part of the system.
I agree with you. Beck is sturdy and not afraid to mix it up and he is a presence on the ice. I hope he gets some games this year and can move way past that injury he had. Nice re signing.
Should with Wilson out for several months they will need some to take his place.
Side bar, for upcoming draft:
Malenstyn came back last year after a serious off season injury and looked even better, bigger, faster. His shifts tilted the ice in Hershey’s favor through hard work in the dirty areas and dogged determination in front of the blue area. His PK was outstanding, although Axel surprised in the PK for an offense first player. Beck brings a Wilson-like mentality to the arena.