Could LA Kings’ Kaliyev have a big 2022-2023 season?

LA Kings forward Arthur Kaliyev is one of the more important pieces at the wing position going into the 2022-2023 season. His presence on the ice is key this season as the Kings march toward the search for another playoff spot. Kaliyev and his goal-scoring ability are something to focus on as the new season is upon us.

Kaliyev was drafted in the second round, 33rd overall, of the 2019 NHL Draft due to his goal-scoring ability. In his first full season in the NHL, he scored 14 goals and 13 assists for 27 points in 80 games. Not a bad total, considering he was just getting started in the show. However, going into his second season, both the Kings and Kaliyev know he is more capable of doubling that total this season. This all depends on a few key things entering the season.

The first thing is, what line will he be playing on? Last season he was almost exclusively on the fourth line with Blake Lizotte and Brendan Lemieux. That trio had great chemistry and, at times, were the best players on the ice. If he can get the right linemates, regardless of what line he is on, the goal-scoring could be a career-high.

Another thing that could see him really flourish is the new assistant coach and power play wizard Jim Hiller. Kaliyev can be an asset in front of the net, but that is not where he is most dangerous. That would be on the left side. There he can use his most effective shot, the wrist shot, to score goals and create chances. He should play a crucial role in one of the two power play units.

Kaliyev scored 14 goals last season, and this pre-season, he has two goals in five games. If everything comes together, there is a possibility he can score 30 goals and 10 power-play goals.

The Uzbekistan-born winger is a gifted goal scorer who will get his looks and has to make them count if the Kings are going to be successful. He has an immense amount of talent, and his career is only beginning. Arthur Kaliyev is one to watch this season, and if he gets hot, he can carry the Kings’ offensive attack.