3 Potential Trade Destinations for Kings' Arthur Kaliyev

The Los Angeles Kings have had troubles re-signing restricted free-agent forward Arthur Kaliyev this summer as the 23-year-old winger prefers to be traded. He's one of the many RFA's without a contract as training camps approach and look for Kings GM Rob Blake to make a move before the start of next season to give Kaliyev his wish.

The former 2019 second-round pick appeared in 51 games last season, scoring seven times and recording 15 points. In 188 career NHL games, Kaliyev has 35 goals and 71 points. He's also appeared in nine Stanley Cup Playoff games, however has not tallied a point. Here's where he could wind up traded ahead of training camp:

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Kings and Penguins have a long history of moves together, and Kyle Dubas has shown this summer he's all about re-tooling his lineup and trying to get the Pens' roster younger. Kaliyev would compete for a third-line role in Pittsburgh next season and be the type of young forward the team needs to start easing into their lineup as Dubas is looking for the next core of the franchise. Pittsburgh has a number of NHL ready prospects including goaltender Joel Blomqvist who could interest Blake in LA.

The whole Arthur Kaliyev thing is so weird.

He led LA in 5v5 xgoal share (59.70%) and corsi share (57.75%) last season, yet Arty couldn’t find ice time toward the end of the year.

Is he staying? Is he being traded? What’s going on with the Kings’ 23-year-old RFA? pic.twitter.com/Zj4PgLpGeW
— Russell Morgan (@NHLRussell) August 13, 2024

Utah HC

New opportunities, how about a new franchise. Kaliyev could easily get a chance to battle for top-nine minutes in Utah as they look to reshape their roster from Arizona and give the fans of Utah something to cheer about. Kaliyev is best suited for a third-line role and second power-play minutes at the moment as he looks to develop into a top-six winger. He could get a reasonable chance at some significant playing time in Utah.

Toronto Maple Leafs

With Nick Robertson wanting out, and being from the Los Angeles area, perhaps a one-for-one swap would entertain both sides. If anything, the Kings would need to sweeten the pot a little as Robertson has proven himself more, despite the limited playing time in Toronto. These two teams could be worthy of keeping an eye on as both GM's are dealing with the same issue.