Ottawa Senators Considering Arthur Kaliyev

The Ottawa Senators are reportedly considering the possibility of acquiring forward Arthur Kaliyev after the Los Angeles Kings placed him on waivers last Sunday. With the Senators looking to enhance their offensive depth, Kaliyev's situation presents an intriguing opportunity for the franchise.

Kaliyev's Background and Recent Performance

At just 23 years old, Kaliyev hasn't played a single game in the NHL this season due to an injury he sustained during training camp. Following his recovery, he completed a two-week conditioning stint with the Ontario Reign, the Kings' AHL affiliate, before becoming available on waivers.

Connection Between Kaliyev and the Senators

A significant factor in the Senators' deliberation could be the relationship between Senators' president of hockey operations and general manager, Steve Staios, and Kaliyev. The two share a history that dates back to their time together in the Ontario Hockey League, where they won a championship in 2018 with the Hamilton Bulldogs. Interestingly, Senators owner Michael Andlauer is also the owner of the Bulldogs, who have since moved their operations to Brantford.

The Senators' Previous Interest

Last year, the Senators explored taking Kaliyev during the NHL Draft in Las Vegas but decided against it due to the Kings' asking price. Now, with new circumstances, they may revisit that decision.

Kaliyev's Potential Impact

Kaliyev, a restricted free agent with a salary of $825,000, is known for his scoring prowess. He enjoyed an impressive junior career, highlighted by a season where he notched 51 goals and 102 points in just 67 games with Hamilton. However, his NHL journey has seen ups and downs; he has scored 35 goals and accumulated 71 points over 188 NHL games. Notably, he struggled last season with only seven goals in 51 games for the Kings.

Risks and Considerations

Should the Senators place a claim on Kaliyev, there are potential upsides and risks. They would hit the NHL's maximum limit of 50 contracts, meaning they would need to clear a roster spot should they wish to make further trades as the deadline approaches in March. Currently, the Senators find themselves in a playoff position, but they face competition; teams like Chicago, San Jose, Nashville, Buffalo, and the Islanders are ahead of them in the waiver claim order, which could impact their chances of landing Kaliyev.

Conclusion

As the Senators navigate this crucial decision, they must weigh the reward of adding a talented player against the complexities of their roster management. Will they make a move for a player who could reignite his career and bolster their playoff aspirations? Time will tell!