Arthur Kaliyev Joins New York Rangers After Waiver Claim
The New York Rangers have made a notable move by claiming Arthur Kaliyev off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings. Kaliyev, a promising 23-year-old forward, brings his potential and skill set to the struggling Rangers, currently positioned at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division alongside the Islanders.
Kaliyev, who hails originally from Uzbekistan before moving to the United States at a young age, was a second-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, showing early promise that he is now eager to fulfill on a new stage. During his NHL career, Kaliyev has tallied an impressive record of 35 goals and 36 assists, culminating in 71 points over 197 games. Known for his effectiveness on the power play, New York is optimistic that his arrival will inject some much-needed energy and skill into their lineup.
This season, however, has been challenging for Kaliyev, primarily due to a broken clavicle he suffered during training camp, leaving him yet to make an NHL appearance this year. Nevertheless, he had a brief stint with the AHL's Ontario Reign in December, indicating his path back to full fitness and competitiveness.
The Los Angeles Kings made the decision to place him on waivers amidst a shuffle in their roster, welcoming back Trevor Lewis and Trevor Moore from injured reserve. This strategic move opened the door for the Rangers, who were seventh in the waiver priority and took advantage of the opportunity to claim Kaliyev, adding depth to their roster.
Regrettably, the Rangers' current season has been less than stellar, and their struggles have been compounded by losing 16 of their last 22 games. To accommodate Kaliyev’s arrival, the team sent Matt Rempe back to Hartford of the AHL. Rempe’s season has also been marred by issues, including a suspension for elbowing Dallas' Miro Heiskanen. Rempe will soon be eligible to return, but the Rangers saw this reshuffling as necessary to bring new momentum.
Financially, Kaliyev's salary falls just over the league minimum of $825,000, which aligns with the Rangers' budgetary constraints as they look to bolster their lineup. It's noteworthy that Kaliyev is also approaching restricted free agency, which adds another layer of intrigue to how he might perform in the highly competitive environment of New York.
As the Rangers strive to improve their standings, the addition of Kaliyev could signify a turning point, blending well with their existing roster, and hopefully providing a spark that boosts their on-ice performance. The Kings, parting with an emergent talent, sent Kaliyev on his way with a message of goodwill: "Good luck in the Big Apple, Arty!" This sentiment reflects a sportsmanship that transcends the competitiveness of the NHL and highlights a player's journey toward greater opportunities.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Kaliyev to see if his health holds up and whether his skills on the power play can translate to the kind of impact the Rangers desperately need. For Kaliyev, it’s a chance to start anew and showcase why he was once a highly-touted draft pick, albeit in the bustling arena that is Madison Square Garden.