Former top prospect finally requests trade after years of waiting

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Josh Tupper
May 30, 2024 (12:15)

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The Edmonton Oilers eliminated the Los Angeles Kings from the Stanley Cup Playoffs three times in a row, so this summer will be a time of huge decisions for the team.

Taking care of their goalie issue will be their main task. David Rittich is the only goalie on the Kings' NHL roster who is currently signed for 2024�25; Pheonix Copley and Cam Talbot will be unrestricted free agents on July 1st.

Rob Blake's primary priority will undoubtedly be improving their goalie, but there might be another scenario developing in Los Angeles that calls for the transfer of a young talent.

Rob Blake will attempt to trade Los Angeles Kings forward Arthur Kaliyev this summer, per David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. Kaliyev has asked for a trade.

"The Los Angeles Kings will look to trade Arty Kaliyev again this summer. The pending RFA has asked for a trade and GM Rob Blake will try to move him � perhaps package him in a deal for an upgrade elsewhere on the roster." Pagnotta said.

In 2019, Kaliyev, 22, was projected to be selected in the first round by the Los Angeles Kings, but he fell to the second round, where he was chosen 33rd overall. The prospective RFA forward saw a decline in performance this season, finishing with 15 points (seven goals, eight assists), 14 penalty minutes, and a minus three rating in 51 games.

In the upcoming weeks, Rob Blake will have a lot of work to do. As David Pagnotta points out, Kaliyev might be utilized as a package to fill a need on their team, possibly in the goalie position. Goalie Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators has been linked to the Kings in the past; we'll see if they get in touch and start negotiations once more.