I wouldn’t say Malatesta was always the best, that was Tinling and it was clear, I would also argue that Cachero and Orr would give him runs at times, but none of them staked their claim enough to knock him off his perch until junior hockey. But Malatesta was certainly the most physically gifted, guy is a monster. I don’t think the schedule, and the strict restrictions we have in QC are helping everyone, I wouldn’t read into it too much but the toll they’re taking is just brutal. Some areas have been locked down for going on 5 months now and that does get to you. I think that’s hurting him a lot, if I recall correctly Quebec (his team) has had some cases, and they’re a bit deeper this year. Factor all that in and it think the production isn’t too concerning.
At the end of the day he’s probably one of the strongest players in the draft, he’s a tank. He skates like wind, has a nice nasty edge, and has a bomb for a shot, hes driven, with soft hands and has a competitive fire to him, he’s also got a knack but clutch goals in big games. His shot selection isn’t the greatest and his accuracy has never improved, the iq isn’t amazing and I’d argue he’s a little selfish but I do think he’s a potential first. It’s not unrealistic to think that him, Orr, Legault and Tinling all play in the NHL.
and for reference for a very longtime the top 2003 F in QC was Tinling or Roy with Roy not taking the title until midget and 3 months later L’Heureux took it only for Bolduc to take it, so shit does Change fast at this age.
