Malzahar "space aids" failure

There are times when I attempt to place Malzahar's "E" ability, commonly known as "space aids," on a minion before it dies, the ability goes on cool down without allowing the ability to "jump." Right now I have no knowledge of the ability having a "channel" which means that if it is placed on a minion right before death it should activate and jump, but it does not.

Further, sometimes if I place my "E" on an individual before death, I do not get an assist, but the aids DO jump to another target.