James Malatesta (born May 31, 2003) is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger for the Cleveland Monsters in the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect to the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Malatesta was born on May 31, 2003, in Montreal, Quebec to parents Roger and Linda.
Malatesta played major junior hockey with the Quebec Remparts in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) before he was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the fifth-round, 133rd overall, of the 2021 NHL entry draft.
During his final junior season with the Remparts in 2022âÂÂ23, Malatesta was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets on December 1, 2022.
Malatesta was a member of Team Canada Black at the 2019 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, playing five games with three goals and three assists.