Arthur Kaliyev Heads to New York in Waiver Claim
In a significant shuffle within the National Hockey League (NHL), Arthur Kaliyev has transitioned from the Los Angeles Kings to the New York Rangers via a waiver claim. This move introduces a player known for his power play skills to a Rangers team that is currently striving for better results amidst a challenging season.
Kaliyev’s arrival in New York comes at a critical juncture. The Rangers find themselves languishing at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, sitting alongside the Islanders after enduring a rough patch that includes 16 losses in their last 22 games. The addition of Kaliyev, a player with a notable scoring record, may provide a much-needed boost. His reputation for being a power play specialist aligns well with the Rangers' immediate needs.
Waiver Wire Win
Securing Kaliyev from the waivers was a strategic move given that the Rangers were seventh in line for the claim. Los Angeles' decision to place the young forward on waivers coincided with the return of Trevor Lewis and Trevor Moore from injured reserve, thereby squeezing Kaliyev out of a regular spot. Despite this, New York saw potential in the addition, which they hope will pay dividends as they look to climb the standings.
To accommodate Kaliyev on the roster, the Rangers opted to send Matt Rempe back to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL. This roster adjustment was seemingly inevitable following Rempe's recent suspension for elbowing Dallas Stars’ Miro Heiskanen. Rempe will soon be eligible to return, but for now, Kaliyev fills an immediate void.
From Uzbekistan to NHL
Kaliyev’s journey to the NHL is a testament to his resilience and skill. Born in Uzbekistan, he moved to the United States at a young age, where he honed his hockey prowess. His talent became evident leading up to the 2019 NHL Draft, where he was selected as a second-round pick by the Kings. Over three seasons, Kaliyev has logged 35 goals and 36 assists, accumulating 71 points over 197 games.
Despite his evident on-ice talent, Kaliyev's young career has not been without setbacks. Most recently, a broken clavicle sustained during training camp has kept him off the ice this season, further complicated by a brief stint with the AHL’s Ontario Reign from mid-December to late December. Nevertheless, New York hopes Kaliyev’s tenacity mirrors his past performances, underscoring their confidence as they claimed him off waivers.
Toward a Promising Future
At 23 years old, Kaliyev is not only a promising talent but also a financial fit for the Rangers. With a salary just above the league minimum of $825,000, Kaliyev arrives in New York as an affordable option while he approaches restricted free agency. Both parties will be keenly aware of the opportunity to assess Kaliyev’s fit within the team ahead of potential future negotiations.
The Kings' parting message—"Good luck in the Big Apple, Arty!"—speaks to the regard in which Kaliyev was held by his former team. Both fans and the organization will watch with interest as he contributes to the Rangers' hopes of turning their season around.
With his proficiency on the power play and an opportunity to shine in a league teeming with talented skaters, the stage is set for Arthur Kaliyev to make a substantial impact. The Rangers and their faithful eagerly await his debut, hopeful that his addition is the spark needed for a turnaround, bringing with it the promise of a revitalized squad skating toward success.