Joining Rangers is ‘dream come true’ for Arthur Kaliyev
Arthur Kaliyev was shocked when he heard that the New York Rangers snagged him off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings on Monday. But that shock quickly turned into excitement for the 23-year-old forward, who is looking to get his career back on track.
Kaliyev, a second-round pick (No. 33) in the 2019 NHL Draft, had a hard time finding consistency during three-plus seasons with the Kings. He scored 35 goals and had 71 points in 188 games in Los Angeles, including a career-high 14 goals in 2021-22 and career-best 28 points in 2022-23.
“I didn’t expect it obviously, but it’s kind of like a dream come true,” Kaliyev said Tuesday. “We grew up watching (the Rangers) obviously living down here for a long time. I didn’t expect it but I’m really excited, and a little bit nervous, it was awesome … I used to come watch games here too, so it’s crazy — not much more words you can say.”
Kaliyev was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, but his family moved to Staten Island when he was young — and he spent most of his childhood as a Rangers fan.
He also has some familiarity with the current Rangers. Kaliyev was a teammate of backup goaltender Jonathan Quick in Los Angeles; he also played with Brett Berard and K’Andre Miller for the United States at the World Junior Championship in 2020 and 2021.
“Quick was the first one to text me,” Kaliyev said, “and obviously I played with Berard and (Miller) at World Juniors, so it was awesome seeing those familiar faces.”
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While things may not have worked out in Los Angeles, where Kaliyev ultimately asked for a trade last season, he’s getting a fresh start playing with the team he grew up rooting for.
When asked what he brings to the Rangers, his response was simple.
“Pretty much everything,” he said. “Obviously offensive side of the game, making plays, scoring, creating chances. Just try to do my best overall game, playing hard, having great effort in all three zones, playing good D-zone obviously and just trying my best everywhere.”
But his best skill is obvious. He’s got a really good release and did score 51 goals in 67 games with Brantford of the Ontario Hockey League in 2018-19 and then 44 in 57 OHL games the next season.
Where Kaliyev fits into the lineup is yet to be determined. He didn’t suit up for the Rangers’ 5-4 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, despite taking part in the morning skate. There’s a chance that Kaliyev makes his Rangers debut against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday.
With Chris Kreider placed on injured reserve Tuesday, there is a need for offense in the lineup, one that Kaliyev might be able to fill. Jonny Brodzinski did a fine job in Kreider’s place in New York’s 6-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, tying the score 1-1 with his third goal of the season in the first period, but Kaliyev might be more of a long-term solution, depending on how long Kreider is out.
“Young player, he’s big, he’s strong,” coach Peter Laviolette explained after the morning skate. “New opportunity for him; we got him out on the ice today for the first time, and we’ll see where he fits in. You’ve got to get to the point where the puck is on your stick and you can shoot it. So there’s more that goes into it, from getting out, getting through the neutral zone, getting into the offensive zone. But there’s no question he’s got a heavy shot, and he’s capable when the puck is on his stick.”
While Kaliyev brings a high upside for offense, it sounds like he’ll have to earn the trust of Laviolette in all three zones if he wants to be a regular in the lineup.
He’s eager to show he’s up to the challenge.
“This is going to be really exciting, to get a new fresh start and opportunity to prove yourself as a player,” Kaliyev said. “I’m really excited for this opportunity.”
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