Insider: Arthur Kaliyev Is "Clearly Getting Dealt" By Kings This Summer

As the 2023-24 NHL season concludes, Arthur Kaliyev’s future with the Los Angeles Kings appears increasingly uncertain.

Despite being touted as a promising prospect, Kaliyev has struggled to cement his role in the lineup, with limited ice time under various coaching staff and less-than-favorable remarks from management suggesting a discord between his potential and performance.

General Manager Rob Blake's recent comments, saying "he [Kaliyev] didn't help us down the stretch at all," and the team’s swift playoff exit has further amplified speculation that a change is forthcoming.

Another power play goal for the Kings as Arthur Kaliyev finds twine through traffic in front!#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/NIX9kFOzWt
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) November 24, 2023

Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts Podcast spoke about the situation: "Kaliyev is clearly getting dealt, its the best outcome for the player. Rob Blake was quite blunt when talking about that. It's the best outcome for the player, they didn't use him and he needs to go kickstart his career somewhere else."

As Kaliyev’s performance waned, so did his opportunity to showcase his worth, leaving the Kings to consider the best approach to leverage his restricted free agent rights for future gains.

Naming our first child Arthur Kaliyev. #GoKingsGo | #ArtyParty pic.twitter.com/Jdh09u8wMd
— LA Kings (@LAKings) November 4, 2021

The Kings seem poised to offload Kaliyev in the offseason, potentially through a trade that could allow them to acquire assets more aligned with their strategic goals.

Over his four-year career, the 22-year-old has scored 35 goals and 36 assists for 71 total points across 188 games played. He was the 33rd overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft by the Kings.

Teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins, who are seeking to rejuvenate their lineup and enhance their power play, could see value in Kaliyev as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition. In exchange, the Kings might target players like Jesse Puljujarvi, whose defensive skills and physicality could benefit their forward depth, signaling a shift towards players who can immediately impact the team’s dynamics. Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports