Between now and the start of camp we will finish our Top 25 Under 25 countdown. Thanks to the 74 readers who submitted ballots in this year’s ranking of Columbus Blue Jackets players and prospects under the age of 25.

#15 James Malatesta

Voting

15th out of 42 eligible players
Writer Rank: 14th
Reader Rank: 15th
Highest Placement: 4th (1 vote)
Most Common Placement: 14th & 15th (10 votes each)
2023 Rank: 18th (+3)

Biography

Birthdate: May 31, 2003
Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 190 lbs
Position: LW
Shoots: Left
Acquired: Drafted in the 5th round (133rd overall) in 2021

2023-24 Season

Malatesta had a breakout season in his final year in juniors in 2022-23, scoring 66 points in 55 games in the regular season then following that with 20 points in 18 playoff games as he won QMJHL playoff MVP and led the Quebec Ramparts to the QMJHL and Memorial Cup titles.