James Malatesta - NHL News & Rumors

Put on waivers Malatesta was placed on waivers by Columbus on Wednesday, per Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.

Impact Malatesta had 10 goals, 18 points and 87 PIM in 57 regular-season appearances with AHL Cleveland in 2025-26. He's slated to spend most, if not all, of the upcoming campaign in the minors.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Agrees to one-year contract Malatesta signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Blue Jackets on Friday, per Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers.

Impact Malatesta had 10 goals, 18 points and 87 PIM in 57 regular-season outings with AHL Cleveland in 2025-26. He didn't play at the top level in 2025-26, but the 23-year-old has recorded two goals and four points in 13 career regular-season NHL games.

JUNE 12 • ROTOWIRE

Pots pair in AHL win Malatesta scored twice in AHL Cleveland's 6-3 win over Milwaukee on Friday.

Impact Malatesta has done little on offense this season, earning seven goals and 15 points over 52 outings. He also has 87 PIM, showcasing his skills as a tougher player. He had put up just one assist over his previous nine games, and his overall lack of offense has likely been a factor in why he hasn't been called up to Columbus this year.

APRIL 4 • ROTOWIRE

Sent to minors Malatesta was loaned to AHL Cleveland on Sunday.

Impact Malatesta was recalled by the Blue Jackets on Wednesday, and he made two appearances for Columbus during his time in the NHL. He logged six hits, a blocked shot and a minus-1 rating while averaging 10:34 of ice time, but he'll head back to the minors just before the league's Christmas break.

DECEMBER 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

BLUE JACKETS vs. DEVILS 😈💥 James Malatesta and Head Coach Dean Evason | Pregame Media

DECEMBER 19, 2024 • YOUTUBE

Up from minors Malatesta was called up from AHL Cleveland on Wednesday.

Impact Malatesta has six goals, 12 points and 25 PIM in 25 appearances with Cleveland in 2024-25. He hasn't played in the NHL yet this season, but he did score two goals and four points across 11 outings with the Blue Jackets last campaign.

DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Sent to AHL Malatesta was assigned to AHL Cleveland on Monday.

Impact Malatesta generated 12 goals and 22 points in 56 contests with Columbus' top minor-league affiliate during the 2023-24 regular season. He could be back in the NHL this campaign if additional injuries arise.

OCTOBER 7, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Promoted to NHL Malatesta was called up from the minors Friday.

Impact Malatesta saw action in 11 regular-season games for the Jackets last year in which he generated two goals, two assists and 12 shots while dishing out 41 hits. Even with his decent performance in limited game time last year, the 21-year-old winger will likely have to start the upcoming season in the minors with AHL Cleveland. Don't be surprised to see Malatesta reassigned following Friday's preseason tilt versus Pittsburgh.

OCTOBER 4, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Reassigned after finale Malatesta was reassigned to AHL Cleveland on Tuesday.

Impact Malatesta scored in the first period of Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Hurricanes. He earned four points over 11 contests at the NHL level. The 20-year-old winger is set to join the Monsters for their playoff run.

APRIL 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

James Malatesta Scores First NHL Goal 👏 | Postgame Media (4/13/24)

APRIL 14, 2024 • YOUTUBE

Sean Kuraly and James Malatesta speak to the media prior to their game against the Hurricanes!

APRIL 7, 2024 • YOUTUBE

Zach Werenski, James Malatesta, Johnny Gaudreau and HC Pascal Vincent | Postgame Media (3/26/24)

MARCH 27, 2024 • YOUTUBE

Nothing better than your rookie lap! Congrats James Malatesta 👏

MARCH 27, 2024 • YOUTUBE

James Malatesta speaks to the media ahead of his NHL debut! Hear from him and others before the game

MARCH 26, 2024 • YOUTUBE

Called up Saturday Malatesta was recalled from AHL Cleveland on Saturday.

Impact Malatesta could make his NHL debut Saturday against Vegas, with the Blue Jackets dealing with a rash of forwards up front. The 20-year-old Malatesta had 12 goals and 21 points in 53 AHL games this season.

MARCH 23, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Ready for pro debut Malatesta scored three goals in two games during the Traverse City Prospect Tournament while skating on both the power play and penalty kill, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' offi...

Impact The 20-year-old winger is coming off a dazzling conclusion to his junior career, winning MVP awards in both the QMJHL playoffs and the Memorial Cup while leading his Quebec Remparts to both championships. Malatesta erupted for 37 goals and 66 points in 55 games during the regular season before adding 14 goals and 20 points in 18 playoff games last year, and while his 5-foot-9 stature leaves questions about how he'll hold up in the NHL, his strength on his skates and on-ice intensity mark him as a future asset on a checking or energy line. The 2021 fifth-round pick will make his pro debut with AHL Cleveland this season, with an NHL debut potentially following soon after if he adjusts quickly.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

MVP James Malatesta Leads Memorial Cup's Top Performers The Memorial Cup featured a handful of standout performers, including tournament MVP James Malatesta. Carol Schram lists the best from each...

JUNE 5, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Quebec Remparts rout host Kamloops Blazers 8-3 in Memorial Cup opener

James Malatesta had a hat trick, Kassim Gaudet scored twice and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League champion Quebec Remparts routed the host Kamloops Blazers 8-3 in the Memorial...

MAY 27, 2023 • Associated Press

QMJHL playoffs: Remparts beat Mooseheads 5-4 in OT, lead final 2-1 HALIFAX - James Malatesta’s second goal of the game, at 4:25 of overtime, lifted the visiting Quebec Remparts to a 5-4 victory over the Hali...

MAY 17, 2023 • THESTAR.COM

QMJHL Roundup: Remparts continue rolling with 5-2 win over Armada QUEBEC - Nathan Gaucher scored two goals and James Malatesta had a goal and two assists as the Québec Remparts defeated the Blainville-Boisb...

FEBRUARY 4, 2023 • THESTAR.COM

QMJHL roundup: Remparts rev up potent offence to whip Eagles 9-2 QUEBEC - Zachary Bolduc and James Malatesta each scored three times as the Quebec Remparts whipped the visiting Cape Breton Eagles 9-2 in Qu...

OCTOBER 30, 2022 • THESTAR.COM

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Quebec Remparts rout host Kamloops Blazers 8-3 in Memorial Cup opener