Let’s just say that it is time for the Arty Party to come to Los Angeles!

It is no secret that I have been a huge fan of Kaliyev since the Kings drafted him with the 33rd overall pick of the 2019 NHL entry draft. Kaliyev, with his raw offensive talent, should have never slipped to the second round simply due to his lack of defensive prowess. Nevertheless, thirty-one NHL teams, including the Kings, chose to pass on him in the first round. When he was still available for the Kings’ first second round pick, it became a no-brainer: the Uzbekistan-born, American-made winger was going to be a King.

Kaliyev’s premier skill is his shot. Although it is not always pretty, it is insane, and it always seems to find the back of the net. He has the natural scoring touch that simply cannot be taught. Need proof? Here is his slap shot at age six:

Most six-year-olds are still learning how to shoot without falling, but Kaliyev was taking one-timers. Throughout his amateur career, his offensive ability and production continued to wow everyone. When he was playing with the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, presumably due to his amazing play, there was even a wild conspiracy theory that he was not a sixteen-year-old rookie. That season, he posted 48 points (31+17=48) in 68 games. In his sophomore campaign, he only continued to impress: he became only the thirteenth seventeen-year-old player in OHL history to score over 50 goals. The last person to complete the feat before him was 2008 first overall pick Steven Stamkos. This begs the question: how on earth was he a second round pick?

His defensive game is simply lackluster. Throughout his junior career, he struggled defensively. In two out of three seasons with the Bulldogs, he finished with a negative +/-, including a -17 during the 2019-2020 season. It is, however, important to mention that both times he represented the United States during the IIHF World Juniors tournament, in 2020 and 2021, he finished with a positive +/-. Perhaps he just has to be with the right line mates that have the ability to cover for him a bit defensively because his shot is too good to waste due to a lack of defensive talent. At the 2021 World Juniors Championship, Kings fans were able to see him win gold and play on a line alongside fellow Kings prospect Alex Turcotte. It is very possible that this pairing translates into two-thirds of a future NHL line. With Turcotte, Kaliyev’s lack of defense was simply not a problem: he finished the tournament with eight points (3+5=8), a +/- 9, and the coveted Gold Medal.

Tonight is a big night for Kaliyev and the very vocal group of Kings fans who believe in “playing the kids.” Personally, I have very excited to see him in a game or two, but I fully understand that the team is not ready to use up a year of his entry-level deal, so do not expect this stay to be permanent. Nevertheless, this is an exciting night. The future is bright, Kings fans!

Image Credit: www.theathletic.com