Kaliyev Appears to Have Played his Last Game with the Kings

Has Arthur Kaliyev played his last game in a Los Angeles Kings sweater? It appears that way. The Kings’ organization has slowly phased him out of the lineup, and when he does get into the lineup, his ice time is very minimal.

Unfortunately, Kaliyev is still a very skilled hockey player who could be subject to a lack of playing time due to the amount of skill the Kings have in their lineup. He doesn’t seem to be a good fit in Jim Hiller’s lineup.

With the playoffs right around the corner, most NHL coaches try to use what they think is their best lineup. For Hiller and his Kings, that most likely means Kaliyev watching from the press box.

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This could mean the end of his time within the organization, and this offseason he could have his rights moved. Kaliyev is an RFA at the end of the season, and with no extension in place, he could be in for a long summer.

However, there is the chance that another team will acquire his rights and then sign him. Truthfully, this wouldn’t be the worst move for another NHL team. He has all the makings of a solid NHL player; he is just so raw when it comes to how to deal with adversity at the NHL level.

If you look around the NHL, you will see a few different reclamation projects that turned out to be great moves. The most notable one in recent memory would be Owen Tippett from the Philadelphia Flyers.

As for Kaliyev, he just needs a team to give him a chance on a nightly basis, and he should be able to turn it around. He is still young and has a lot of time to grow and mature. Sadly, though, it seems like his time with the Kings’ organization has come to an end.