We are only a couple days in NHL training camp for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign, but the Los Angeles Kings have some unfortunate news to report. The Kings recently re-signed forward, Arthur Kaliyev, has an injury. The report suggests he took a hit on Friday and sustained an upper-body injury as a result. Furthermore, it looks like surgery is a possibility, and at this time, the best case scenario has him missing a couple months minimum.
Rough start to LAK training camp for a player that needed a strong preseason.
Can confirm @mayorNHL report.
I'm told Arthur Kaliyev sustained an upper body injury in camp on a hit during practice on Friday that may require surgery and he is expected to miss a few months.— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) September 21, 2024
Kings Forward Arthur Kaliyev Out With Upper-Body Injury
Kaliyev’s contract took a long time to come to terms on, as he only signed on Wednesday. He was likely hoping for a few more dollars. A contract that would be more reflective of his ability as a goal-scorer, with an excellent and powerful wrist shot, and more representative of his potential. However, the one-year, $825K deal he signed was a prove it deal. Now, with this injury, Kaliyev really needs to make the right decisions.
Where Does This Leave Kaliyev and the Kings
This injury to Arthur Kaliyev is an unfortunate situation for the team, but mostly for the player. Kaliyev is really looking to hit his stride in the NHL. As the 23-year-old, Uzbekistan native was looking to embark upon his fourth full NHL season, he was really hoping for a regular shift and at least a 20-goal campaign. Both will be difficult given the expected timeframe. Kaliyev has some interesting stats, as he does have 71 points in 188 career NHL games. This is slightly more impressive when you consider he’s achieved that in just 12:08 of average ice time for the Kings. Also, his shooting percentage of 8.4 over his career thus far, is another sign of his potential. With his shot, if given the right deployment, his expected goal and point-per-game numbers could easily increase.
Fortunately, with the contract he’s currently under, there does leave some wiggle room. The team would be willing to give him another shot, if that’s his number. However, both Kaliyev and general manager Rob Blake can only wait so long, until it may very well be time to move on.
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea
