One of Don Waddell's most important tasks as he took on his role as GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets: figuring out the value of his newly inherited prospects. Certainly, a guy like James Malatesta would be high on that feeling out list. After all, he got into some NHL games last year. Unfortunately, he had a very difficult time back in the American Hockey League this year.
I'm sure Waddell had an idea of what to expect from a lot of the prospects within the organization - especially the top guys. But, Malatesta isn't a player who was taken high in the draft, and it feels like he flies under the radar a little bit. Even within the Blue Jackets' own system.
Last year, he looked like a pretty solid bet to become an NHL player. Possibly in the near future. He was productive as a rookie with the Cleveland Monsters, scoring 12 goals and 22 points in 56 games, while adding 79 penalty minutes. Because of his energetic style, he was called up late in the season and spent 11 games with the Blue Jackets, where he did not look out of place.
In fact, by the time the season ended, he looked like he was ready to take on a regular role. He was amongst the team leaders in hits per game, and his offense looked like it was starting to come along as well. Still, the right decision for this year was sending him back to Cleveland for some more seasoning. Heavier minutes and a more offensive role would be ideal.
Unfortunately, "Jimmy" struggled through the first half of the season with the Monsters. In 26 games played into late December, he scored just 6 goals and 12 points, carring a -4 rating and adding 27 penalty minutes. At the start of the New Year, he was out of the lineup with an undisclosed upper body injury that kept him out until early March.
In 12 games since returning, Malatesta has scored just 2 points (both goals), with a -2 rating and 20 more penalty minutes. For the season? 38 games played, 8 goals, 14 points, 47 penalty minutes and a -6 rating. Suffice to say, not the kind of building year we hoped to see after an eye opening first pro season.
There could be a variety of reasons for his struggles. It's possible that whatever upper body injury he was dealing with, has lingered for the entire year and kept him from playing up to his full potential. And, it's worth noting that the Monsters have generally struggled as a team for stretches this year. It hasn't been as magical as last year was in Cleveland.
Diving deeper, he has 71 shots in those 38 games; which is pretty good for a guy who plays a little lower in the lineup most nights. His struggles may be due in part to not getting much puck luck. He was drafted for his ability to score goals and bring some energy, so if he's getting the chances; maybe the puck will start going in at a greater rate.
Are we worried about James Malatesta's development?
At this point, no, I'm not worried about Jimmy's development. The sophomore slump can be a real thing, even for guys playing in the AHL. In a season where he's missed a good stretch of time due to injury, he's bound to struggle a little bit. Especially with his crash and bang style.
At his peak potential, he's a future bottom-six guy in the NHL. So, I don't expect him to light the league on fire with his scoring. As long as he's bringing the energy, playing a physical game, and getting under the skin of his opponents; he's still on the right track. It just might take him a little bit longer to get there.