The Blue Jackets have called up forward prospect James Malatesta for the first time this season, according to a team announcement. It’s unclear if he’ll play in tomorrow’s game against the Devils, or if he’ll be an extra forward while Justin Danforth remains out with a lower-body injury. Columbus has an open spot on the active roster, so no corresponding transaction is needed.
Malatesta, 21, was the 133rd overall pick of the 2021 draft out of the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts. He entered the 2024-25 season ranked 11th among Blue Jackets prospects at McKeen’s Hockey, and 13th according to The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler. The undersized (5’9″, 190 lbs) yet feisty forward can play both left wing and center, although he only played the former during his 11-game call-up to Columbus last season. Through 25 games on the farm with AHL Cleveland this year, the former QMJHL Playoffs MVP has six goals and 12 points with 25 PIMs and a -4 rating.
The Montreal native didn’t look entirely out of place in his call-up last season. He notched his first four NHL points – two goals, two assists – and averaged 10:13 per game while recording 41 hits. He shot a somewhat sustainable 16.7%, although Columbus was out-attempted 116-78 with him on the ice at even strength. Last year was his first in the pros, though, so it was a quicker jump to the game’s highest level than most expected for Malatesta.
Malatesta still has another year remaining after this one on his entry-level contract and won’t be able to test restricted free agency until 2026. He remains waiver-exempt and will stay as such through the 2026-27 season unless he achieves 160 career NHL appearances before then.
And he’s already gone again.