Jan. 6: Kaliyev’s time in the Kings organization has officially ended. TSN’s Bruce Garrioch was the first to report that the New York Rangers have claimed Kaliyev off the waiver wire. The Rangers will add Kaliyev’s entire $825K salary leaving them just under $8MM in room. He’ll be a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer.
Jan. 5: The Los Angeles Kings have placed winger Arthur Kaliyev on waivers per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. Kaliyev sustained a fractured clavicle in the pre-season, and wasn’t activated from season-opening injured reserve until December 28th. He was assigned to the AHL for a conditioning stint on December 10th, and scored two points in five games with the Ontario Reign. But being activated off of IR returns Kaliyev to waiver eligibility, and the Kings will now attempt to pass his through waivers to return him to the minor leagues.
Kaliyev played in his first minor league games since 2020-21 on his conditioning stint. He’s spent the years since fighting, and struggling, to earn a consistent role in the Kings’ lineup, under a very bright spotlight. Kaliyev has stood as one of Los Angeles’ top prospects since 2019, when the Kings drafted him with the first pick of the second round. He played through his rookie NHL season in 2021-22, scoring 14 goals and 27 points. Kaliyev began to improve on those numbers in year-two, but suffered an undisclosed injury in December that forced him out through mid-February, limiting him to just 56 games. Kaliyev managed 13 goals and 28 points, impressively rivaling his rookie scoring despite the injuries. But he couldn’t continue that improvement into last season, netting just 15 points in 51 games and falling into routine healthy scratches.
Even with minute intentions, this move stands as a major wedge in Kaliyev’s drive to earn an NHL role. He’s totaled 35 goals and 71 points in 188 career games, but never seemed to find a fit in the lineup, no matter how often the Kings changed up his role. He could be an interesting, high upside bet on the waiver wire – offering teams the chance to land an impactful middle-six scorer for no cost. Kaliyev is set to be a restricted free-agent with arbitration status this summer, and carries an affordable $825K cap hit.
Chicago please take a chance on him, especially the salary and position in standings its a no risk claim kinda
I see if anyone knows his work ethics and skill i would say McLallen in Detroit should know.
I don’t think Kaliyev will clear.
Toronto or Buffalo should pick up Kaliyev of waivers.
The Oilers could use a winger…Kaliyev on third line or 2nd.
Trade Skinner and Ryan. And, trade for a defenseman.
You know, I’ll feel Tampa should take a crack at the kid for potential depth. He has good potential & the culture Tampa’s organization has could do him quite well. Will Tampa take a chance on him? I’m not holding my breath but one never knows.
Love to see the Flyers put in a claim for him but I seriously doubt he would fall that far.
If he gets past CHI and SJS I’ll be shocked. Both will trade away depth pieces at the deadline and if they can get Kaliyev playing to expectation this would be huge value for nothing.
Another dumb move by Blake! Ducks or Sharks will definitely pick him up!
Definitely?
Be awesome if he slips to the blues, but I doubt it
Doubt he gets past Buffalo!
He never want to be here
Not surprised by the Rangers picking Kaliyev up. It was obvious someone was definitely picking him up off waivers for sure as it was just a matter of who would.
Should thrive there. Locker room is one of the best in the league.
First thought: oh wow he made it all the way to the Rangers.
Second thought: oh wait the Rangers are 26th of 32 in the league.
Same, wondered how he made it all the way to NYR…for about two seconds and then “oh, right, they blow for some reason.”
Dude was a bust.. no room for a guy who asked to be traded when the team is playing this well.
Now, to be fair to Arthur, T-Mac was more of the issue of him not getting real looks with the big club and not Blake. Either way, I wasn’t a fan and don’t mind him suiting up elsewhere.
Happy trails, Arthur.
#GoKings
He asked to be traded in the offseason since Hiller wouldn’t play him! Bust…No! His career numbers are decent for a 2nd round pick. The Kings knew his overall game needed seasoning, but they rushed him to the NHL too fast!
Totally disagree but hey, no harm no foul.
#GoKings
Time will tell. Rangers needs a RW so they made a move but their improper development of young players is well known.
These guys need time to develop. Bjornfot, Vallardi, Byfield, Kayliev all were brought up too fast!