Young winger looking for change of scenery could blossom in Buffalo
The Buffalo Sabres face a season where accountability will be stressed under head coach Lindy Ruff and areas of need will have to be addressed by GM Kevyn Adams for the club to snap their 13-year playoff drought. We have been taking a look at players who could be potential trade targets this summer over the last few weeks in advance of a year that has to be considered playoffs or bust.
Arthur Kaliyev – Right Wing (Los Angeles Kings)
Contract status – restricted free agent after completion of his entry-level contract
While most of the players that the Buffalo Sabres will be looking at this offseason in potential trades are veteran forwards with short-term remaining on their deals, Adams may still be open to young players who potentially could be acquired as a bargain and someone who could flourish with a change of scenery.
Kaliyev is someone with a physical makeup and the talent that could make him a shrewd acquisition for the Sabres. Born in Uzbekistan, the 22-year-old was selected in the second round in 2019. Similar to Jack Quinn, he played in the AHL at a younger age than normally allowed and the 6’2” 210 lb. winger adapted well, scoring 14 goals in 40 games for the Ontario Reign.
Known for his heavy shot and his offensive instincts, in two seasons under Todd McLellan in Los Angeles, Kaliyev reached double figures in goals (14 in 80 games in 2022, 13 in 56 games in 2023), but last season after McLellan’s dismissal in favor of Jim Hiller, he saw his role reduced dramatically (7 goals in 51 games). It is assumed that the Kings will opt to move him this summer rather than offering him a second contract.
The Sabres still have a lot of connections to USA Hockey through assistant coach Seth Appert and Director of Pro Scouting Jeremiah Crowe, and someone like Kaliyev who was a scoring star for Team USA at two World Juniors might be worth a second look if the price to acquire him is not excessive.
