Malatesta was placed on waivers by Columbus on Wednesday, per Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.
Malatesta had 10 goals, 18 points and 87 PIM in 57 regular-season appearances with AHL Cleveland in 2025-26. He's slated to spend most, if not all, of the upcoming campaign in the minors.
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Blue Jackets' James Malatesta: Agrees to one-year contract
Rotowire
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.
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Blue Jackets' James Malatesta: Pots pair in AHL win
Rotowire
Malatesta scored twice in AHL Cleveland's 6-3 win over Milwaukee on Friday.
Malatesta has done little on offense this season, earning seven goals and 15 points over 52 outings. He also has 87 PIM, showcasing his skills as a tougher player. He had put up just one assist over his previous nine games, and his overall lack of offense has likely been a factor in why he hasn't been called up to Columbus this year.
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Blue Jackets' James Malatesta: Sent to minors
Rotowire
Malatesta was loaned to AHL Cleveland on Sunday.
Malatesta was recalled by the Blue Jackets on Wednesday, and he made two appearances for Columbus during his time in the NHL. He logged six hits, a blocked shot and a minus-1 rating while averaging 10:34 of ice time, but he'll head back to the minors just before the league's holiday break.
