Top Three Trade Destinations for L.A. Kings’ Winger Arthur Kaliyev
Los Angeles Kings winger Arthur Kaliyev is rumored to be seeking a trade. While many teams would be interested in the 23-year-old, some teams make more sense than others. Here are the top three potential trade destinations for Kaliyev:
Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens are in the midst of a rebuild, and GM Kent Hughes may view Kaliyev as a worthwhile gamble. Moving to Montreal would place Kaliyev in a high-pressure environment, which could help him reach his potential. Kaliyev’s last contract carried an annual salary of $894,000, and his status as a distressed asset means Hughes won’t have to pay a high price to acquire him.
The Canadiens are still a few years away from being a playoff contender, providing Kaliyev time to develop into an above-average NHL player. Hughes can aggressively pursue Kaliyev, with a combination of draft picks and prospects likely sufficient to complete the trade. The increased expectations of an Original Six market could boost Kaliyev’s career, and Habs fans would welcome another potential long-term piece at a relatively low cost.
San Jose Sharks
Like the Canadiens, the Sharks are not immediate playoff contenders. GM Mike Grier aims to collect young talents and see how they develop at the NHL level. Kaliyev might welcome staying in California with the Sharks, where he wouldn’t need to lead the team in scoring. His modest 2023-24 totals—seven goals and 15 points in 51 games—would place him in a middle-six role among the Sharks’ forwards.
Playing with young centers Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, and facing less media pressure, could benefit Kaliyev as he strives to reach his potential. The Sharks might be a better fit for him than the win-now Kings. It’s up to Grier and L.A. GM Rob Blake to determine the mix of draft picks and veterans that will satisfy the Kings in a trade.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche are over the salary cap and need to fill four roster spots before the season begins. GM Chris MacFarland must go bargain-hunting, as he did last year with forward Jonathan Drouin. On a team with stars Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar, Kaliyev could prove why the Kings picked him 33rd overall in the 2019 draft.
While the Avalanche, like the Kings, are focused on winning now, Colorado has excelled at finding hidden gems and staying competitive. Kaliyev could earn a third-line winger spot and set himself up for a better payday after his next RFA deal. Playing for a legitimate Cup contender like the Avalanche would be appealing to Kaliyev, allowing him to develop his game while the team’s stars handle the heavy lifting.
These three teams represent promising destinations for Arthur Kaliyev, each offering unique opportunities for the young winger to thrive and grow in the NHL.
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