The Nashville Predators are reportedly in early-stage negotiations to acquire Arthur Kaliyev, a former top prospect of the Los Angeles Kings, who has been made available on waivers. At just 23 years old, Kaliyev presents a compelling opportunity for the Predators to potentially unlock the vast talent that has yet to fully materialize in his NHL career.
Kaliyev was drafted 33rd overall by the Kings in the 2019 NHL Draft, with high expectations. He was considered one of the top players in his class and even ranked as high as seventh leading into the draft. His potential was evident during his junior career, where he played a pivotal role in winning the 2021 World Junior Championship with Team USA and the 2018 J. Ross Robertson Cup as an OHL champion with the Hamilton Bulldogs. These accomplishments showcase his winning pedigree and ability to perform in high-stakes situations.
Despite his impressive pedigree, Kaliyev’s NHL journey has been a mix of promise and frustration. In his first full season with the Kings (2021-22), he posted a respectable 14 goals and 27 points. The following season, he improved slightly with 13 goals and 28 points. However, last year, he took a step backward, registering only seven goals and 15 points in 51 games while frequently moving in and out of the lineup. His struggles included a broken collarbone, which required him to spend time recovering in the AHL with the Ontario Reign, where he showed brief flashes of his potential with a goal and an assist in just five games.
For the Predators, who have been struggling offensively and have one of the lowest goal totals in the league, Kaliyev represents a chance to add a natural goal scorer to their lineup. Currently, Nashville’s top-six forwards are all 30 years or older, and they have struggled to find consistent scoring. Kaliyev, known for his goal-scoring ability, could provide the boost they need. By adding him on waivers, Nashville could move struggling players like Gustav Nyquist or journeyman Vinnie Hinostroza further down the lineup, introducing younger, fresher legs into the forward group.
Additionally, Kaliyev will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season, with a manageable $825k cap hit for the remainder of the year. If the move doesn’t work out, the Predators have no long-term commitment and can walk away without much financial strain.
Given his unrealized potential, taking a chance on Kaliyev could be a low-risk, high-reward move for the Predators. If he can develop into the player he was expected to be, he could be a key piece of Nashville’s future. The opportunity to acquire him via waivers may prove to be the spark the Predators need to reignite their offensive production and bolster their forward group.
Leave a Reply