What had been feared for a while finally happened, the Kings placed Arthur Kaliyev on waivers today.
Over the next 24 hours, the other 31 NHL teams will have the opportunity to claim it. Kaliyev is currently on a one-year, league-minimum contract. He will still be a restricted free agent next summer.
He is currently having a difficult season, having been injured at the start of the season and has not played a single game with the Kings.
If he is not claimed by another team, the 23-year-old forward will be assigned to the American League on Monday.
After seeing his playing time reduced last season, many expected him to be traded in the 2024 draft. Several rumors were circulating, however, with no deal being made.
The two sides met just before training camp to finalize a new contract, providing a fresh start of sorts where he would have the chance to prove his worth under coach Jim Hiller.
-Unfortunately, an injury suffered in the first intra-squad matches of camp quickly put an end to these ambitions.
Although his offensive skills are obvious, it is his defensive game that he has often been criticized for since the start of his career.
It will be interesting to see if a team will be tempted by this “project”. It really wouldn’t be surprising if he was claimed, considering his potential, his age and his small salary.
More details will follow.
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