Jeff Malott Bio
Jeffrey Turner Malott is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger playing for the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played college ice hockey for Cornell University. Malott, born on August 7, 1996, in Burlington, Ontario, began his hockey career in junior leagues before moving on to a collegiate career at Cornell. He turned professional in 2021 and has since made significant contributions, including being the first player from his graduating class at Cornell to sign a professional contract.
Early Life and Background
Jeff Malott was born in Burlington, Ontario, to parents Murray and Anne Malott. He was raised in Waterdown, Ontario, just outside of Hamilton, where he developed a passion for sports, particularly ice hockey, soccer, and basketball. Malott began playing junior ice hockey with the Caledonia Pro-Fit Corvairs in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League during the 2013–14 season. He made a notable impact by scoring 15 goals and 19 assists for a total of 34 points in 48 regular-season games. His team, the Corvairs, captured the Sutherland Cup Championship that season, with Malott contributing significantly during the postseason.
After his time with the Corvairs, Malott spent two seasons in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) with the Brooks Bandits. During the 2015–16 season, he served as an alternate captain and scored 25 goals, totaling 60 points in 46 games. His leadership and performance helped the Bandits win the AJHL championship and qualify for the RBC Cup.
Path to Hockey
In September 2015, Jeff Malott committed to play college ice hockey for Cornell University, starting in the 2016–17 season. He made an immediate impact, picking up his first collegiate point on November 29, 2016, by assisting on the game-winning goal in a victory against Colgate University. Malott’s first three goals came on the same day when he scored a hat-trick against Princeton on January 13, 2017, becoming the first Cornell freshman to achieve this feat since Matt Moulson in 2003. He finished his freshman season with six goals and nine points in 30 games.
Malott continued to develop during his college career, opening the 2017–18 season with a goal against Alabama–Huntsville. He had a notable performance on November 11, 2017, contributing to a comeback victory over Harvard. He finished that season with six goals and 17 points in 28 games and earned a spot on the ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team.
Jeff Malott Career
Early Career (2021–2024)
Jeff Malott signed a professional contract with the Manitoba Moose, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets, on April 8, 2020. He was the first player from his Cornell graduating class to sign a professional contract. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he was unable to play for the Moose at the end of the 2019–20 season. Instead, he began his professional career with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL in January 2021. In his first year with the Moose, Malott led the team in scoring with 14 goals and was the second-highest scoring rookie in the AHL that season.
On May 31, 2021, Malott signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Winnipeg Jets worth $780,000 for the 2021–22 season. He gained attention on February 28, 2022, when he won a shootout against the Chicago Wolves and skated off the ice without celebrating. Malott was promoted to the Jets on March 20, 2022, after an impressive season with the Moose, making his NHL debut that night in a victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.
Breakthrough (2024–Present)
After concluding his contract with the Winnipeg Jets, Jeff Malott signed a two-year contract worth $1.55 million with the Los Angeles Kings on July 1, 2024. This move marked a significant step in his career as he transitioned to a new team in the NHL. Malott’s performance and contributions to the Kings will be closely watched as he continues to develop as a professional player.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jeff Malott’s journey in professional hockey has been marked by significant achievements, including his leadership roles in junior and collegiate hockey, as well as his scoring prowess in the AHL. His ability to adapt and perform at higher levels of competition showcases his dedication and skill as a player.
Jeff Malott Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jeff Malott has received recognition for his performances, particularly during his time in college hockey, where he was named to the ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team and was a finalist for the ECAC Hockey Best Defensive Forward award.
Jeff Malott Awards Won
While specific awards won by Jeff Malott have not been detailed, his contributions to his teams and his performance in various leagues highlight his potential for future accolades.
Jeff Malott Family
Jeff Malott’s family includes his parents, Murray and Anne Malott. He has an older brother, Mike Malott, who is a mixed martial arts fighter and coach, having joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship in February 2022.
Personal Life
Details regarding Jeff Malott’s personal life are limited, but he is known to maintain a focus on his professional career while also supporting his brother in his mixed martial arts endeavors.
