Just In: Kings Sign Forward On a Massive Contract (AAV: $825,000)
The Kings have officially signed forward Arthur Kaliyev to a one-year contract worth an average annual value (AAV) of $ 825,000, lasting through the end of the 2024-25 season. Kaliyev will remain a restricted free agent when this contract concludes. This one-way deal means he will earn the same salary regardless of whether he plays in the NHL or AHL.
Quick Takeaways
The final offseason uncertainty has been resolved with Kaliyev’s signing, and he is expected to be on the ice for the start of training camp this Thursday. Kaliyev is currently in Los Angeles and has participated in captain’s skates with the team recently. Everything indicates he will join the rest of the players for main camp tomorrow morning.
As for Kaliyev himself, it’s a fresh start this fall. While last season was filled with ups and downs, particularly as he faded from relevance by the playoffs and faced trade rumors, he still possesses considerable talent. This upcoming season will require him to meet the team’s expectations both on and off the ice and to integrate well with the group. The organization also needs to support him to succeed. It will be intriguing to see how he fits into the lineup during the first four days of camp, where the Kings will assess a larger roster through practices and scrimmages.
Kaliyev is known for his offensive capabilities, contributing on the power play and showing promising underlying stats, although last season’s reduced role affected the reliability of his performance. If he can earn the trust of his teammates, he has the potential to make a significant impact and disrupt existing plans positively—finding a spot in the lineup currently occupied by others. The same applies to players like Samuel Fagemo, Alex Turcotte, and Akil Thomas, who could also shake things up if they perform well.
Kaliyev’s new contract also adds some complexity to the roster dynamics. As seen last season—when injuries and suspensions disrupted plans—training camp can lead to unexpected changes. Currently, the Kings have at least 24 players vying for 23 roster spots, which means they face potential cuts. There are 14 forwards, including Kaliyev, and 8-10 defensemen expected to play in the NHL this season, with only Brandt Clarke eligible to be assigned to the AHL without requiring waivers. The Kings anticipate Clarke will be in the NHL, so someone will have to step aside, potentially leading to the decision to carry eight defensemen. While training camp will clarify many aspects, barring injuries or trades, not all players can remain with the main squad.
Official Release Highlights
The LA Kings have signed forward Arthur Kaliyev to a one-year deal valued at $ 825,000 annually through the 2024-25 season.
At 23 years old, Kaliyev played 51 games last season for the Kings, recording seven goals and 15 points, marking his third consecutive season with at least 15 points. He also reached his 150th NHL game milestone on November 16 against Florida.
Drafted by the Kings in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft (33rd overall), Kaliyev has amassed 35 goals and 36 assists for 71 points in 188 career regular-season games. His best season came in 2022-23, where he scored 28 points in 56 games. Additionally, he played 40 games for the Ontario Reign during the 2020-21 AHL season, tallying 31 points.
Before turning pro, Kaliyev excelled with the Hamilton Bulldogs in the OHL, leading the league with 44 goals and 54 assists (98 points) in 57 games during the 2019-20 season. He earned several accolades, including the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy and was a finalist for the Red Tilson Trophy for Most Outstanding Player of the Year.
In total, Kaliyev recorded 248 points across three seasons with the Bulldogs and also contributed to Team USA’s success at the 2020 and 2021 IIHF World Junior Championships, helping secure a gold medal in 2021.