20-goal scorer officially linked in trade to the Montreal Canadiens

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Aaron
July 20, 2024 (12:26)

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Expectations were high in Los Angeles when the Kings selected forward Arthur Kaliyev in the 2019 draft.

Five years later, the relationship between the 24-year-old Russian and the California organization seems strained.

The 33rd overall pick in that draft has even requested a trade after seeing his playing time decrease. It now seems that a trade is inevitable and a fresh start is the best option for both parties.

Following the Covid-shortened season where Arthur Kaliyev was on pace for 20 goals, his value has fallen.

A trade between Montreal and Los Angeles involving Arthur Kaliyev?

This is the opinion of The Hockey News journalist, Austin Stanovich.

The Hockey News - Kings & Canadiens Could be Trade Partners for RFA Forward

«Wiping the slate clean and starting over is the best option for both parties, but who knows if this option is on the table. The Kings tried to trade Kaliyev at the draft, but found no takers. However, things change after the free agency market, and he could start generating interest as we approach the start of training camp.»

- Austin Stanovich

Stanovich agrees with his editor Adam Proteau. Montreal would be a great destination for Kaliyev. Proteau, in a recent article, placed the Habs in his top-3 potential trades for the young forward.

The Hockey News - Top Three Trade Destinations For L.A. Kings' Winger Kaliyev

«The Canadiens are in the midst of a rebuild from the ground up, and Habs general manager Kent Hughes will likely consider Kaliyev a bet worth taking. Moving to the Montreal market would place Kaliyev in a more pressured environment, but some players need that spotlight to push them to realize their potential, and Kaliyev might be that kind of player.»

- Adam Proteau

Returning to Stanovich, he claims that the future arrival of Ivan Demidov combined with Kaliyev's talents could create a very solid duo. All at a low cost, as Kaliyev, who is an RFA, certainly won't be expensive in salary. The problem here could be finding common ground for a trade.

Stanovich thinks that Rob Blake might be tempted to acquire a young left-handed defenseman. But the signing of former Habs player Joel Edmundson fills a defensive spot.

The journalist could very well see the Kings GM asking for an Arber Xhekaj or an Adam Engstrom. However, it would be surprising if Kent Hughes agreed to part with these two players.

In this case, it would have to be an attacking prospect. Arber's younger brother, Florian, could be a candidate to switch sides in a possible trade involving Kaliyev.

The journalist also names Emil Heineman, Luke Tuch, and Vinzenz Rohrer as possible bases for negotiations. It all depends on Kaliyev's value in the eyes of the Habs.

In 51 games last season, the Kings forward accumulated 7 goals and 8 assists for a total of 15 points. He has accumulated 71 points, including 35 goals, in 188 NHL games in his career.