Arthur Kaliyev Is ‘Way Happier Now’ With Rangers

Before joining the New York Rangers, Arthur Kaliyev had not played in an NHL game since April of 2023.

During training camp with the Los Angeles Kings before the start of this season, Kaliyev suffered a fractured clavicle, which sidelined him for multiple weeks.

It was a difficult time for Kaliyev who had to go through a grueling rehab process while this marked the most serious injury of his career.

“It was really hard, that was probably the longest I didn’t play in my career,” Kaliyev said. “I had to workout a lot and do rehab, but it’s starting to feel more normal than what it used to be.”

Mentally, the 23-year-old found it difficult to process his injury, on top of his diminishing role with the Kings.

Since arriving in New York though, Kaliyev has felt rejuvenated.

“Now it’s finally more exciting to be back playing,” Kaliyev said. “It was a little bit tough, but it’s starting to feel better and I’m way happier now.”

On Thursday night against the Utah Hockey Club, Kaliyev scored his first goal with the Rangers.

He hadn’t scored an NHL goal since Mar. 28, 2023, so the right winger feels he can use this as a confidence booster moving forward.

“I was great,” Kaliyev said about his first goal with the Rangers. “It felt really nice. Hopefully, it can boost my confidence and I can keep playing better in all areas and keep working hard.”

Peter Laviolette has slotted Kaliyev on a line alongside Chris Kreider and Filip Chytil, two players the newest Ranger has a ton of respect for.

“Obviously they are great players,” Kaliyev told The Hockey News. “I watched them before when I played in LA. They are awesome players, great guys. They are helping me and we played pretty well last game, so hopefully we just gotta keep playing great defensively and we will get our offensive scoring chances.”

Kaliyev is becoming increasingly comfortable in The Big Apple. More importantly, he seems happy in his new role, which is an encouraging sign.