Everyone knew TJ Malone was a steal at No. 17 overall in the 2024 PLL Draft as soon as he was drafted.

After passing on 2024 Tewaaraton winner Pat Kavanagh at No. 3 overall in favor of defenseman Ajax Zappitello, the Maryland Whipsnakes got the X attackman they so desperately needed with Malone in the third round. 

On paper, it was a perfect fit. With Zed Williams and Matt Rambo roaming the right and left wings, Malone would be a perfect complement at X with his skillset. 

Fast forward to the All-Star break, and Malone’s been as advertised for the Whipsnakes. 

Registering 17 points on 12 goals and five assists, Malone has been the heartbeat of this Whipsnakes offense. He leads the offense in touches, passes and shooting percentage all while committing just nine turnovers.

Let’s take a look at what makes him a blossoming superstar for the Whipsnakes:

1. Vision from X

The Whipsnakes have long lacked a true “X” attackman who is most comfortable behind the net. A trademark of a good X attackman is the ability to see through the defense and make accurate passes.

Mike Chanenchuk has already been the recipient of a few two-point looks from Malone, so look out when Tucker Dordevic, the 2023 league leader in two-pointers with five, returns to the lineup.

2. Dodging threat from anywhere

Another quality of Malone’s game is that he can dodge from anywhere on the field.

As you would expect, Malone can attack from X with both hands, and he’s particularly great in a two-man game with a big/little pick, where he is great at reading if he should turn the corner and score or feed the ball.

He’s also willing to attack without a pick. He’s scored on some strong drives from X against top rookies in Mason Woodward and Tyler Carpenter.

Malone is also proficient dodging up top. He’s stronger than you would expect, consistently getting to his preferred left hand.

It’s hard to defend Malone because he’ll initiate from anywhere, with both hands, with equal efficiency. He keeps defenders guessing.

3. Finds space off-ball

If Malone weren’t a starting X attackman on a team in the PLL, he would fit seamlessly coming out of the box.

His ability to find space off-ball and finish the ball at an efficient rate is uncanny. One of the reasons he was such a highly touted recruit is his ability to evolve his role.

Before taking over the reins from Grant Ament at attack for Penn State, Malone was a first-line midfielder as a freshman. He thrived working off-ball and playing his midfield role.

Throughout his Penn State career, Malone continued to be excellent off-ball, moving without the ball to generate chances for himself. He’s done that already in the PLL.

Malone lets the game come to him, much like New York Atlas rookie Connor Shellenberger. 

An unselfish superstar, Malone will be the rock of this Whipsnakes offense for years to come.

While Shellenberger is the front-runner for Rookie of the Year, don’t be surprised to see Malone make a push for the award if this offense hits its full potential in the second half of the season.