James Malatesta

June 2023 – Malatesta had a playoffs to remember, being named the QMJHL playoff MVP, and winning the Memorial Cup with the Quebec Ramparts. While these are very encouraging signs, don’t expect him to make the jump to the NHL right away. He still needs to work on his defensive and physical game to be effective at the next level, but he is definitely a player that should be on everyone’s radar now. Josh Rosa

July 2021 – Malatesta was selected in the fifth round, 133rd overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2021 NHL Draft. Dave Hall

April 2021 – Malatesta’s offensive production has not increased in his draft year the way he had hoped. After recording .76 points per game in his first QMJHL season, he has dipped to .72 points per game in the disrupted 2020-2021 campaign. There is a lot more to Malatesta’s game than his raw offensive numbers, however.

Malatesta has speed to burn, great overall mobility, and a motor that never stops running. His speed pressures the opposition in multiple ways, whether it be getting in to disrupt a play on the forecheck, backing off defenders to create space in transition, or simply blowing by a defenceman on the rush. His combination of tenacity and quickness allows him to win contested pucks along the boards and take them into space to attempt a pass or fire off a wrister that comes off his stick quickly. Malatesta isn’t tall but he has a sturdy frame and doesn’t hesitate to engage physically, routinely finishing his checks and making life difficult for opposing players. He has good puck protection abilities, using his elusiveness, core strength, and low center of gravity to hold off defenders while maintaining speed. Malatesta puts forth a strong effort in all three zones but still needs to improve his decision making, both in his passing and off-puck play. Though he doesn’t possess overwhelming offensive skill, Malatesta displays plenty of attributes that will translate to the NHL and he could develop into an extremely useful energy player that can impact the game in transition while chipping in with secondary scoring. Nick Richard