Peter Laviolette Details Decision Making In Claiming Arthur Kaliyev Off Waivers

The New York Rangers made a low-risk, high-reward type of move to claim Arthur Kaliyev off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday.

At this point of the season, it’s rare to see the Rangers pick up another player, but the prospect of adding a young forward the likes of Kaliyev was too good for Chris Drury and Peter Laviolette to pass on.

Laviolette dove into the team’s decision to give Kaliyev a chance.

“Chris (Drury) and I communicate all the time,” Laviolette said. “That goes a little bit more to his side and the people watching him. Obviously there is communication, we watch the player as well. He is a young player, there is potential there and like I said, we are bringing him in and giving him an opportunity.”

Kaliyev is a player who was selected in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft and while showing some flashes of potential, he went through struggles in Los Angeles and was in dire need of a fresh start.

Toward the end of his tenure with the Kings, the 23-year-old forward was scratched out of the lineup on multiple occasions, which resulted in a trade request from Kaliyev.

“I think I started off there well,” Kaliyev said about his time with the Kings. “I think unfortunately a few guys they signed in the offseason maybe. The last year just didn’t work out, obviously not playing too much out there. My time was great there, but unfortunately, it didn't end the way I wanted to.”

In 188 total NHL games, Kaliyev has recorded 35 goals, 36 assists and 71 points while averaging 12:08 minutes.

He is set to make his debut for the Rangers on Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils.