Los Angeles Kings would love this mock trade involving Arthur Kaliyev

The 2024-25 season is quickly approaching with the Rookie Faceoff this weekend that will lead right into training camp and then preseason. One of the big outstanding items for the Kings this close to the season is restricted free agent Arthur Kaliyev, who is still unsigned.

Earlier this offseason, Kaliyev reportedly requested a trade but the Kings did not get a deal done and time is running out for their next steps. It would make sense that they would take a path similar to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who had their own restricted free agent requesting a trade in Nick Robertson.

The Leafs haven't finalized a trade but agreed to a one-year deal and are expected to continue to work toward finding a trade, per Frank Seravalli.

Could the Los Angeles Kings swing a trade with the New York Rangers?

Recently, Tristin McKinstry of Clutch Points proposed a mock trade that would send Arthur Kaliyev to the New York Rangers in return for former second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko. The Rangers selected him early in the 2019 NHL Draft and he looked to have a breakout season in 2022-23 with 40 points.

He took a step backward this past season with only 13 goals and 19 points and the Rangers would sign him to a one-year deal this offseason. Even with the contract, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Rangers try to move him in a trade.

The Kings should jump at this trade because while Kakko took a step backward, he has shown more than Kaliyev has in his 188 NHL games with only 35 goals and 36 assists. Kaliyev is a former second-round pick by the Kings and the potential is certainly there for him to develop but if the end of last season is any indication, the new coaching staff might not want to wait for that to happen.

After Jim Hiller took over as head coach in February, Kaliyev's average time on ice was around eight minutes compared to closer to 13 minutes before the coaching change. If the Kings are not able to get Arthur Kaliyev on the ice or feel confident in him on the ice, it's time to make a trade and Kaapo Kakko might be the answer.