Columbus Blue Jackets Sign James Malatesta to New Contract

The Columbus Blue Jackets have officially signed forward James Malatesta to a one-year, two-way contract extension for the 2026-27 NHL season, as announced by club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell. Malatesta, 23, has shown promise with two goals and two assists in 13 games with the Blue Jackets over the past two seasons. His performance in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Cleveland Monsters has been noteworthy, where he recorded 30 goals and 54 points in 154 games since his professional debut in 2023-24. Originally drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the fifth round of the 2021 NHL Draft, Malatesta has demonstrated his potential as a hard-working player. In the 2025-26 season, he led the Monsters in penalty minutes and contributed significantly with 10 goals and 18 points. His junior hockey career with the Quebec Remparts was highlighted by accolades such as the Stafford Smythe Trophy and the Guy Lafleur Trophy, showcasing his talent on a larger stage. The Blue Jackets are optimistic that Malatesta's continued development will lead him to become a regular in the NHL lineup.