Arthur Kaliyev requested a trade from the Los Angeles Kings, and he's the type of player the Seattle Kraken are missing and should consider adding.
Recently, The Fourth Period listed five teams interested in the 23-year-old forward: the Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres, and Ottawa Senators. The Kraken were not among them.
Drafted 33rd overall in 2019, Kaliyev is a known shooter at 6'2", 210 lbs. Despite his impressive shot, he hasn't had the chance to fully display his talent with the Kings, averaging just 12:08 of ice time over 188 games. He has scored 35 goals and 71 points but had a tough 2023-24 season with only seven goals and 15 points in 51 games.
Looking back at his OHL days with the Hamilton Bulldogs, Kaliyev's offensive potential is evident, scoring 126 goals in 192 games. He also excelled with Team USA in the World Juniors, scoring seven goals and 14 points in 12 games.
Kaliyev is in a similar position to Eeli Tolvanen before the Kraken claimed him off waivers from the Nashville Predators. Tolvanen, an efficient scorer, needed a change of scenery, which proved beneficial as his offensive talent flourished with the Kraken, leading to a two-year extension.
With playmaking centers like Matty Beniers, Chandler Stephenson, and Shane Wright, Kaliyev would get the minutes he desires and play alongside teammates who could highlight his strengths.
Currently, Kaliyev is an RFA and may seek a bridge deal to prove his abilities after a challenging season. With 20-30 goal potential, Kaliyev could be the secondary scoring winger the Kraken are looking for.
