Feb 24, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings right wing Arthur Kaliyev (34) shoots on goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings right wing Arthur Kaliyev (34) shoots on goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Despite stacking up a good number of goals, RFA winger Arthur Kaliyev’s career is set to hit a roadblock following the Ottawa Senators' latest move.
Once free agency hits this Wednesday, the 25-year-old will be available in the open market, as Senators GM Steve Staios and the front office chose against extending a qualification offer to him. And this is quite shocking after the praise he earned earlier from Belleville Senators GM Matt Turek.
“Arthur had an exceptional year and is very deserving of this recognition,” Turek said, according to OttawaCitizen.com. “His ability to generate offence and make an impact every night was a major asset to our group. We’re proud to see him recognized among the league’s best.”
Feb 8, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; New York Rangers right wing Arthur Kaliyev (34) skates with the puck against Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jordan Harris (22) in the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Feb 8, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; New York Rangers right wing Arthur Kaliyev (34) skates with the puck against Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jordan Harris (22) in the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
According to the same report by OttawaCitizen.com, Kaliyev closed the season with 40 goals and 68 points across 78 games with Belleville, becoming the AHL's top goal scorer. He also became the first player in the franchise's history to be named an AHL first-team all-star. But this seemingly wasn’t enough for the organization.
Kaliyev once played for the Hamilton Bulldogs under Michael Andlauer (Senators' Owner) and Staios (GM), when the two served as Bulldogs' owner and GM, respectively. But even these prior ties did not sway the Senators' decision.
But while Kaliyev’s one-year, two-way contract came to an end, why did Ottawa actually pass? Injuries and inconsistent five-on-five play may hold the answer.
Arthur Kaliyev’s Injury List Might Have to Do With His Free Agency
According to TheHockeyNews, Kaliyev’s offensive prowess, especially in power play, is elite even for the NHL standard. But his five-on-five metrics, skating and defense lag behind, making a return to the league uncertain despite AHL dominance.
Moreover, injuries mounted. In the 2023-24 season, an upper-body injury during training camp kept Kaliyev sidelined till December, as he was playing for the Los Angeles Kings. Once he signed with the New York Rangers in January, another upper-body injury ended his season.
The 25-year-old arrived in Ottawa to revive his NHL career. But despite being healthy, he suited up for the Senators to play just 2 NHL games. And now, he’ll be bidding his farewell to the team and looking for another team to make his NHL comeback with.
Which NHL roster do you think Kaliyev will fit the best? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy
Edited by
Kaamna Dwivedi