Former Moose trying to make an impact with Kings

Jeff Malott is willing to do whatever it takes to stick around after making an NHL roster out of training camp for the first time in his career.

Score a goal? You bet. His first big-league tally — at least one that counted — came Wednesday night against the Vegas Golden Knights in a road win by his Los Angeles Kings.

Drop the gloves? No problem there, either. Malott did that in Tuesday’s season opener in Denver, going toe-to-toe with Colorado Avalanche defenceman Josh Manson. He followed it up Saturday afternoon with another bout, this time against Winnipeg Jets blue-liner Luke Schenn at Canada Life Centre.

“Just looking to have an impact,” is how Malott described it in a post-game chat with the Free Press following a hard-fought 3-2 loss to the Jets.

The 29-year-old from Ontario has managed to do that everywhere he’s gone — including right here in Winnipeg, where he spent his first four pro seasons after signing as a college free agent. Malott appeared in 237 games with the Manitoba Moose, his 82 goals ranking second in team history behind only Jason Jaffray.

His time with the organization included an NHL debut with the Jets — a March 2022 game in Chicago.

“You look back at the chapters of your life, and there will be a bookmark on this one,” said Malott, who moved on in free agency in the summer of 2024 and signed with the Kings.

His second big-league appearance didn’t come until last spring, after a terrific season with the Ontario Reign of the AHL. Malott would go on to play 11 more regular-season games and all six playoff contests against Edmonton, recording his first NHL assist along the way.

He seemingly scored his first goal on April 5 in Edmonton — a spinning beauty that ended with him leaping through the air. But there was one problem: teammate Samuel Helenius had entered the zone just a hair too early. A successful offside challenge by the Oilers wiped it out.

“It was a long summer thinking about not scoring one last season,” Malott said, with a laugh,

He finally shed the proverbial monkey this week in Sin City, tipping a shot from former Jets winger Joel Armia past Adin Hill to give the Kings a 3-1 lead in an eventual 6-5 shootout victory.

“It was really special,” said Malott, who admitted he briefly worried if some kind of unforeseen challenge might erase this one, too. “Nice to have a goal like that, and to come at a good time, too.”

Returning to the city where his pro career began was another special moment. Malott had already faced the Jets at Canada Life Centre last April, but said this latest visit came with fewer nerves.

“It’s always nice to see all the guys and play against the boys. I think on both sides, business is business, and then we can catch up after,” said Malott.

One of those familiar faces is Jets forward Morgan Barron, a former Cornell University teammate and roommate.

“The game is pretty intense and there’s always a lot on the line. I’m just trying to adapt to different roles and bring any impact I can in any aspect of the game.”

Malott showed his willingness to stand up for teammates Saturday after Kings forward Alex Turcotte was crushed by a heavy hit from Jets defenceman Logan Stanley in the first period. Malott immediately rushed in and was met by Schenn in a brief but spirited scrap.

“The game is pretty intense and there’s always a lot on the line,” said Malott. “I’m just trying to adapt to different roles and bring any impact I can in any aspect of the game.”

Fighting might not be his forte, but it certainly runs in the family. His brother, Mike, is a prominent Canadian mixed martial artist in the UFC — and Jeff’s biggest cheerleader.

“He loves it. He’s cool with breaking it down and everything for me. Giving me tips to take care of myself, making sure you’re not putting yourself in a bad position,” Malott said.

Whether using his hands for hockey good or hockey evil, Malott is soaking up his time on a Kings roster that includes superstars such as Anze Kopitar, who is retiring after this season, and Drew Doughty.

“It’s very cool. They’ve obviously been around forever, and they’ve seen and had a lot of success,” said Malott.

“And they are as humble as it gets. They’re really all about bringing everybody on board and having team success. It’s made a huge impact on the adjustment for me. It’s been a privilege.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg