Has Arthur Kaliyev Become the Rangers Secret Weapon?

The New York Rangers are slowly putting themselves back together. They have won four of their last six games and extended their point streak to six games. As of late, they have been making a strong push to rebound from a slow start to the season, which currently has them outside of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. However, the addition of several new players has further supported their efforts. Earlier this month, the Rangers signed Arthur Kaliyev to the roster. He has been making a difference, growing more comfortable with the team over the last few weeks, and has also become a major asset on the ice.

The Rangers and many of their fans felt they didn't have a chance at signing Kaliyev to the roster, but he has proven he can make a real difference. Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette has expressed his optimism and the potential offensive impact that he is going to have moving forward with the team. The Rangers claimed him earlier this month when the Los Angeles Kings dropped him from their roster. He had trouble securing a spot after returning from a clavicle injury during training camp this season.

He has a powerful shot and significant offensive potential. In the Rangers' most recent game against the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday night, Kaliyev finally recorded his first goal with New York, which is exactly what the team has been looking for from him. The Rangers like what they are seeing from him and that he could bring more power to the offense. Management knew this from the start from watching him in past games. They are already happy with the work that he is putting into proving that he can play. 

He has become an asset because he can make things happen on the ice, as he did during his time with Los Angeles. So far in his career with the Kings, he has scored a total of 71 points, combining goals and assists. He also appeared in 188 games for the Kings since being drafted by them in 2019. He performed well during his time there, and there should be no reason why he can’t secure a full-time spot on the Rangers. Moving forward, Kaliyev is set to become a key player for the Rangers, as he proved his ability in Los Angeles despite how things ended when they waived him. Now in New York, he’s adjusting to his new teammates, having already played alongside six different players on the ice. After a few weeks with the team, he’s poised to improve even further from here on out.