The Columbus Blue Jackets have added another pair of talented youngsters to the organization, signing Luca Del Bel Belluz and James Malatesta to three-year, entry-level contracts. Del Bel Belluz is currently playing with the Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL, while Malatesta is with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL, where they will both remain for the rest of the season.
Del Bel Belluz, selected 44th overall in this year’s draft, was considered at one point as a potential first-round talent. The 19-year-old center has actually had a rather disappointing season so far, despite still scoring at a good pace. His 26 points in 21 games aren’t quite what many expected in his third full OHL season, especially after the pace he scored at in his draft year. There’s still plenty of time for the super-skilled forward to develop, and he’ll join a Columbus system that is packed full of offensive talent.
Another entry in that group is Malatesta, the 5’9″ forward with 19 goals in 23 games so far. Selected in the fifth round in 2021, he has bounced back nicely after some struggles last season and is once again one of the most dangerous players in the league when given space to operate. While there is still lots of work to do before Malatesta sniffs the NHL, earning an entry-level deal is a good start.
Neither player will count toward the Blue Jackets’ 50-player limit this season and neither one will burn the first year of their contract. Del Bel Belluz only turned 19 a few weeks ago, meaning his contract could slide again next season as well.