Prior to the season, the Los Angeles Kings had two pretty significant injuries they had to deal with as Drew Doughty suffered a broken ankle in a preseason game. However, before that Arthur Kaliyev suffered a broken clavicle during training camp
It was pretty disappointing for the Kings' second-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft as he seemed ready for a fresh start. During the offseason, there were some indications that Kaliyev was hoping to be traded after falling out of the rotation in the second half of last year after Jim Hiller took over as coach.
While it remains to be seen exactly when he will return from the injury, it seems close for Kaliyev. Earlier this month, Kaliyev was back on the ice prior to practice as he ramps up the conditioning.
Where does Arthur Kaliyev fit into the Los Angeles Kings line up when he returns?
At his best, Arthur Kaliyev has one of the best shots on the Kings' and can be in the discussion for one of their top goal-scorers. However, he hasn't really ever had the chance to be in the Top 6, and barring an injury it doesn't seem likely that he will get that chance this year.
One possible combination that gives him that opportunity would be to move Kevin Fiala up to the top line with Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe, which would give Arthur Kaliyev the chance to play with Phillip Danault and Trevor Moore on that second line.
If the Kings want to keep the line of Warren Foegele, Quinton Byfield, and Alex Laferriere intact, then Alex Turcotte drops to the fourth line with Samuel Helenius and Tanner Jeannot with Trevor Lewis rotating in.
The Kings may not be ready to make that drastic of changes so what will likely happen is that Arthur Kaliyev will be on that fourth line to be the player rotating with Trevor Lewis next to Helenius and Jeannot. Even if this does happen, the Kings should absolutely look to get Kaliyev on that second power play unit that has been almost non-existent and need some offensive firepower by swapping Turcotte with Kaliyev.
Given the chance, Arthur Kaliyev can be a difference maker for this Kings' team and will just come down to how much opportunity Jim Hiller is willing to give him upon his return.