James Malatesta
If you asked me to describe James Malatesta's NHL play at the end of last season in one word, I would have to say: eye opening. Okay, that's two words. But, that's the best way I can describe him. Malatesta has been one of my favorite prospects in the entire system since the Jackets drafted him in the 5th round of the 2021 NHL Draft. There's just something about this guy that I absolutely love.
Maybe it's the fact that he can score goals in bunches. Or maybe it's the fact that he simply never gets out-worked. Or, maybe it's the fact that he hits everything in sight, in spite of his 5'9", 190 pound build. It's probably all of the above.
He didn't find the scoresheet much until the very end of his 11 game stint with the Jackets, but he stood out each and every time he was on the ice, because of that work ethic and physicality. Malatesta simply came in, grabbed his lunchbox, and went to work. What more can you ask for out of a 5th round pick who was a professional rookie last season?
First goal of the game 🤝 first @NHL goal for Malatesta!
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) April 14, 2024
Congrats, #67 many more to come! 🎉@Nationwide | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/7t0sOj3Gmk
With Justin Danforth and Mathieu Olivier both vying for fourth line minutes on the wings, he'll have his work cut out for him. But, Dean Evason is going to love Malatesta, and there is a forward job to be won here.
Odds James Malatesta makes the team: ~50%. There are 11 forwards with NHL-only contracts, so the team will need at least two more forwards. If I were laying a bet on someone grinding their way into Dean Evason's bottom six, I'd take Malatesta.
Naturally, the Jackets could lean on more experienced players like Trey Fix-Wolansky or even newly signed guys like Owen Sillinger or Dylan Gambrell to fill a spot in the press box. But, it's up to the young guys to win these jobs eventually. That time could be now.