James Malatesta News: Agrees to one-year contract

Published on June 12, 2026

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

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.