RW Jordan Maletta - Niagara IceDogs, OHL (2013 undrafted; 2016 signed, CBJ)

[Theo Von]

Jordan Maletta signed an ELC today with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

CBJ beat-writer, Aaron Portzline,
@Aportzline: "Puck-rakers: #CBJ have signed undrafted forward Jordan Maletta to an entry-level contract @OHLIceDogs

https://t.co/e8hcfFy5Ey "

@Aportzline: "#CBJ prospect Jordan Maletta tells TSN 1150 that he'll head to @monstershockey if Niagara's playoffs end while Lake Erie is still playing."

"Maletta was recently named “best on faceoffs” in a recent poll of OHL coaches, as well as the second-most underrated player and third-best penalty-killer in the league. "
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Maletta has steadily improved over the past few seasons. This season he has 59 points, 34 goals in 68 games. Has great size... 6 foot 3, 215 pounds. Seems like the only knock against him is his skating abilities. Not sure why he wasn't drafted?

Could anyone that's familiar with Maletta or has saw him play fill us Jackets fans on what we can expect from him? What's his potential and/or any other thoughts?

Click to read more...

 

[RoR21]

you kinda answered you question on why he wasn't drafted with what you said. He had/has skating issues. He's come a long way but he's not a premier skater in the O yet. A big problem for him is just how inconsistent he and the rest of that Niagara team is night in night out. Think he is probably going to play a depth C role at the next level. He's strong on the PK but not great at d-zone coverage at ES. He's big and leans on players well and will earn his space. Most of the goals I've seen him score are from within five feet of the net.

Ideally he rounds out to be a 3rd line guy that can play PK and PP if not he's someone inside the organization that can play as a strong AHLer and fill in short term in the NHL.

 

[MackAttack26]

He just wasn't all that good yet in his draft year.

Steady improvment since then, very noticeable when out on the ice. Ideally, like said above, he turns out to be a 3rd liner who can PK, win faceoffs and use his size to consistently win puck battles

 

[Bullseye]

My favourite IceDog. Tons of heart and work ethic. Glad to hear he got a contract.

 

[BananaSquad]

Hes more useful then Perlini