Arthur Kaliyev Adapts to New Role with Rangers After Injury

SALT LAKE CITY — Arthur Kaliyev’s 2024-25 NHL season began unconventionally, marked by a delayed start and a challenging recovery from injury. The 23-year-old winger made his season debut on Jan. 9, joining the New York Rangers mid-season after recovering from a fractured clavicle that sidelined him for the first three months.

Kaliyev, who previously played for the Los Angeles Kings, is now navigating his second NHL team. “I think it’s slowly getting better,” Kaliyev said during a Rangers practice at the Olympic Oval. “Feeling a little better each game. Hopefully, things keep feeling better out there, and I can play my best in all three zones.”

Since his debut, Kaliyev has already skated with six different linemates, including Chris Kreider, Filip Chytil, Brett Berard, Jonny Brodzinski, Jimmy Vesey, and Sam Carrick. This constant rotation has made it difficult for him to find consistency. “We’re trying to get that opinion of his game,” said Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette. “The conversations with him are to work to make an impact, to show what you’re capable of.”

Laviolette emphasized Kaliyev’s offensive potential, particularly his shooting ability. “He’s a big guy. He can have that impact in a game,” Laviolette said. “I know that he’s a guy that can make a difference offensively, and we’d like to see him try and continue to push that.”

Kaliyev acknowledged that he is still adjusting physically and mentally. “I was doing a lot of skating [coming] off my injury,” he said. “I felt better than I thought I would. I don’t think I’m up there at my best yet, but it’s getting better, I think.”

The Rangers, currently second in the NHL with a 53.8 percent faceoff win percentage, have shown resilience this season. Meanwhile, the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, is set to host a Matt Rempe bobblehead-themed night on Jan. 25.