Kings' Arthur Kaliyev Slapped With Multi-Game Suspension By NHL Player Safety

It may be just the preseason, but perhaps that's even more reason for the NHL to frown on dangerous plays. After a kneeing incident earlier in the week, Los Angeles Kings forward Arthur Kaliyev has been hit with a four-game suspension by the Department of Player Safety.

Here's the play that just earned @LAKings forward Arthur Kaliyev a suspension of two preseason games and two regular-season games for kneeing @AnaheimDucks forward Chase De Leo. #NHL https://t.co/IJGxp374F6
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) October 5, 2023

The suspension is for the final two exhibition games and the Kings' first two regular season games.

Kaliyev, according to the report by the DoPS, seemed to be unnecessarily aggressive after taking his own hard hit earlier in the play, and then lined up a hit by sticking his knee out to "recklessly" make contact with the knee of Anaheim Ducks forward Chase De Leo.

"Kaliyev adjusted to De Leo's movements extending his knee forward, specifically ensuring contact was made. This is kneeing. De Leo suffered an injury on the play," said the Dept. of Player Safety.

Kaliyev was assessed a minor penalty for kneeing on the play, and as a result of the four games (two regular season) to be missed, will forfeit $9,314 in salary. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports