Rangers Kaliyev Felt KIng's Free Agency Moves Led to his eventual downfall
Former Kings forward Arthur Kaliyev practiced with his new club today, after being claimed by GM Chris Drury and the Rangers Sunday. With his arrival in New York, the media was eager to get his story on his exit from the Kings organization.
Kaliyev practiced with the team today, and would later talk to the NHL media after the 23-year-old suited up for the Blueshirts for practice.
This was the first time he put on #34 for the Rangers and they were interested in how things went sour for Kaliyev, as he was a healthy scratch last season.
This season he'd be sent to the AHL, and requested a trade out of Los Angeles. While the team wouldn't oblige him, they waived him enabling the Rangers to claim the depth forward.
Kaliyev's Profile
There is no question he has the offensive abilities, especially his killer shot, to succeed in the NHL. Owns a quick release and good instincts. As with many young players, his play away from the puck is a work in progress, though it is improving and is helping him earn more trust from his coaches. He also has to work on his skating. Can line up on either side of center.
The towering forward, with a great shot on the ice felt that free agent signings led to him being pushed out of the lineup.
«I think I started off there well,» Kaliyev said. «I think unfortunately a few guys they signed in the offseason maybe. The last year just didn't work out, obviously not playing too much out there. My time was great there, but unfortunately it didn't end the way I wanted to.»
Kaliyev was a 2nd-round pick in 2019 with the Kings, and now he'll get to play for his home team, a dream for the forward.
«I didn't expect it honestly, but it's kind of a dream come true,» Kaliyev said. «I grew up watching it and obviously living down here for a long time I didn't expect it, but I'm excited and a little bit nervous. It was awesome.»
The young forward still has a lot of potential that the Kings weren't able to develop, and could prove a low-risk, high-reward signing for Chris Drury.
«I've been looking for it for quite a bit of time,» Kaliyev said about his desire for a fresh start. «It's going to be really exciting here. New fresh start and opportunity to prove yourself as a player and I'm really excited for this opportunity.»
While Kaliyev won't draw into the lineup tonight against the Dallas Stars, Head Coach Laviolette has stated he will make his debut with the Blueshirts soon.
The 2019 2nd-round pick has 188 NHL games under his belt with 71 points( 35 G, 36 A) and averaged 12:08 TOI nightly.
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17 HOURS AGO | 171 ANSWERS Rangers Kaliyev Felt KIng's Free Agency Moves Led to his eventual downfall Do you think forward Arthur Kaliyev will develop further in the New York Rangers system? |
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