On Sunday, the Los Angeles Kings made a move that wasn't surprising but was definitely disappointing as they would put former second-round pick Arthur Kaliyev on waivers. The Kings were getting healthy with the return of Trevor Moore and Trevor Lewis from injured reserve.
As for Kaliyev, he suffered an injury during training camp that cost him the first few months of the season. Once he was ready to return, there really was no spot for him as a regular among the forwards and he had yet to play a game for the Kings this season.
The reason that this move is disappointing is because Kaliyev showed some serious potential back in the 2021-22 season and the first part of 2022-23 season when he would finish with over 25 points each season. However, his ice time was cut drastically once Jim Hiller took over as head coach.
It is not always uncommon for a coach to make changes, especially if a player doesn't fit their style. It would seem like almost a guarantee that the Kings would trade Kaliyev during the offseason when he was a restricted free agent.
The reason is that he still had value and would generate interest across the league, that was evident by the fact that the New York Rangers put a waiver claim on him. My suspicion is that they were not the only team and that Kaliyev was unlikely to clear waivers and return to Los Angeles.
When considering he is still only 23 years old, and on a one-year deal, it feels like an easy trade to get done. The return wouldn't have been great but it is hard to imagine they couldn't have gotten a late round draft pick at a minimum.
Hopefully, Kaliyev is able to get regular ice time with the New York Rangers, something the LA Kings were not able to provide. However, the Kings inability to get anything in return was a serious mis-step by the front office.