The New York Rangers have made headlines by claiming forward Arthur Kaliyev off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings, marking the end of his tenure with the California team. Kaliyev, who is only 23 years old, has displayed considerable potential but has faced challenges during his early professional career.
Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and raised from the age of two on Staten Island, New York, Kaliyev is known for his impressive height and weight - standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 210 pounds. This combination has aided him as he navigates the competitive waters of the NHL. Kaliyev was selected as the 33rd overall pick by the Kings during the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft, following standout performances with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he netted 51 goals and 51 assists for 102 points over just 67 games.
Over his three seasons with the Kings, Kaliyev recorded 71 points, thanks to 35 goals and 36 assists spanning 188 NHL games. Although these numbers might not seem staggering, they reflect his potential and scoring ability. His best performance came during the 2021-22 season, where he registered 14 goals, which drew attention to his presence on the ice. Unfortunately, last season became increasingly rocky for him due to reduced playing time and inconsistent role within the roster.
Reportedly, the Kings were shopping Kaliyev during the summer without any luck, compelling him to re-sign with the team on a one-year deal before training camp opened. Things took another turn when he suffered a broken clavicle during early scrimmages, sidelining him for three months and effectively limiting his contributions early this season. While he started to reintegrate back onto the ice, the lineup was already quite full under coach Jim Hiller, leading to his constant exclusion from game time.
The turning point emerged when the Kings placed Kaliyev on waivers. According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, the Rangers seized the opportunity to scoop him up. They had previously struggled, slipping significantly from playoff contention and desperately required fresh talent to rejuvenate their lineup. A tweet from prominent hockey insider Elliotte Friedman announced, "Rangers claim Kaliyev - the Kings had placed him on waivers intending to send him down to the AHL."">
Kaliyev's current contract features a cap hit of $825,000, making him an affordable option for the Rangers. This financial stability is bolstered by his status as a pending restricted free agent, which gives the Rangers exclusive rights to retain him past this season. The team has ample cap space, almost $8 million available, allowing them to introduce Kaliyev seamlessly onto their roster without any need for immediate adjustments.
Statistics show Kaliyev came back from injury and scored two points across five games with the Ontario Reign of the AHL before he was claimed. It is this experience, alongside his previous NHL statistics of seven goals and eight assists for 15 points within 51 games this season, which contributed to the Rangers' decision to take the chance on this promising forward.
General Manager Chris Drury has emphasized a desire to revamp the Rangers’ roster to regain competitiveness this season, especially after disheartening results saw them tumble toward the bottom of the Metropolitan Division. With prior trades removing key player Kaapo Kakko, Kaliyev may provide the youthful vigor they so desperately seek.
Despite starting the season with hopes of contending, the Rangers have suffered substantially, losing 16 of their last 22 games. This decline propelled Drury to explore other avenues, hence the acquisition of Kaliyev. He has been compared to Kakko, providing similar physical attributes combined with potential offensive capabilities, which may help fill voids left by trades.
While it's too early to predict how well Kaliyev will perform with the Rangers, the potential for him to reignite his career exists. With talent and potential, coupled with the right environment, he could find his scoring touch once again within the lineup slots available to him.
Interestingly, Kaliyev has not only been recognized for his performances at the club level but also internationally, representing the United States and helping the team secure gold at the 2021 World Junior Championships.
Time will reveal whether the Rangers have made the right choice or if it will turn out to be just another attempt at revitalizing their current squad. Nonetheless, claiming Kaliyev off waivers symbolizes the Rangers' commitment to constructing future success, ensuring they leverage young players to compete at the highest level.
General Manager Drury has his work cut out, and with the NHL Trade Deadline approaching on March 8, fans should keep their eyes peeled for future moves aimed at solidifying the roster as the season progresses.