Thank you to the 70 readers who voted in this year’s countdown of the 25 best players in the Columbus Blue Jackets system under the age of 25. Today we continue with #18:

#18 James Malatesta

Voting

18th of 40
Total Points: 1369
Average Placement: 19.155
Last Year: 15th (-3 difference)

Biography

Birthdate: May 31, 2003
Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 190 lbs
Position: Winger
Shoots: Left
Acquired: Selected in Round 5 (#133 overall) by Columbus in the 2021 NHL Draft

2024-25 Season

It was a bit of a step backwards for Malatesta, as he only played two games for Columbus, as opposed to the 11 games he played in 2023-24. He also only played 41 games in Cleveland (8/6/14), vs. 56 the year before (12/10/22). He added just one goal in six playoff games.

2025-26 Outlook

Malatesta will most likely start the season in Cleveland, as he enters the final season of his entry level contract. That being said, he still has a chance to battle for a spot in training camp, or at least to be the first call-up from the Monsters. For what he lacks in size, Malatesta makes up for with fight. He reminds me of a Matt Calvert type.