So, the question is no longer, will he remain in the NHL? It's now, where to fit him in after Kaliyev returns.
Losing one of your best forwards for an extended period of time is never a good thing, but it can be an opportunity for younger players to shine.
That's exactly the situation the Los Angeles Kings are facing with Viktor Arvidsson's recent injury.
Losing Arvidsson is a big blow for the Kings, but one that can be softened by the emergence of Alex Laferriere.
Laferriere had a fantastic training camp which warranted a look on the NHL roster. Unfortunately for him, it appeared that the Kings' tight roster situation would mean he had to start the season in the AHL.
But, a suspension to Arthur Kaliyev and injury to Arvidsson opened up a spot for him on opening night.
After a strong showing in game one, the Kings appear ready to keep Laferriere in the NHL during Arvidsson's stay on the LTIR.
As Todd McLellan put it, he'll be banging on some desks to keep Laferriere up.
So, the question is no longer, will he remain in the NHL? It's now, where to fit him in after Kaliyev returns.
He's impressed so far on a line with Pierre-Luc Dubois and Kevin Fiala, but that's the spot Kaliyev was earmarked for before his suspension.
McLellan will soon have to decide what to do with Kaliyev and Laferriere. Who stays on Dubois' wing and who shifts into Arvidsson's spot with Phil Danault and Trevor Moore?
Keeping Kaliyev With Dubois & Fiala:
McLellan was very complimentary of Kaliyev's summer and subsequent camp, so I view this as the most likely scenario.
As always, this line makes plenty of sense on paper. At least offensively.
Kaliyev can be a beneficiary of Dubois and Fiala's high-end chance creation and use his elite shot to finish chances.
It didn't lead to any goals for Kaliyev during the preseason but McLellan was happy with his improvements in other areas. In the small details of the game.
Assuming he can find some chemistry with Dubois and Fiala and capitalize on the chemistry those two have already built. This could be a deadly line.
This also causes the least amount of disruption to the plan that was laid out in camp.
Keeping Laferriere With Dubois & Fiala:
This option makes sense because you know it works. Laferriere is a more rounded player than Kaliyev and can do more puck-hounding than Kaliyev.
Laferriere is also more defensively responsible which should help Dubois and Fiala.
He lacks the high-end shot of Kaliyev but is no slouch when it comes to goal-scoring. If he gets a lot of chances, he'll put away plenty of goals too.
I've referred to Laferriere as Alex Iafallo with a better scoring touch and I think that fits Dubois and Fiala perfectly. Someone who can keep pace with elite skill players and still provide a workman like approach to the game.
Kaliyev With Danault & Moore:
This line is one I floated around during the summer quite a bit. Danault and Moore's strengths complement Kaliyev's biggest weaknesses well and could bring the best out of the young sniper.
Both are defensively responsible, Moore can make up for the footspeed lost with Kaliyev out there and both Moore and Danault are excellent in the corners.
Kaliyev also fits Moore and Danault well. Moore is a great chance creator but struggles to finish and Danault excels at picking up goals in and around the net off rebounds.
If they can create a high number of chances for Kaliyev, that line will score a lot. Whether it's Kaliyev finishing himself or Danault picking up scraps in front, the goals would flow.
The potential issue with this line is McLellan's tendency to start Danault and Moore in the defensive zone. There'd be some concern with Kaliyev starting most shifts 200 feet from the offensive zone, but if he can make it work, that line would find success.
Laferriere With Danault & Moore:
Again, it's easy to see how Laferriere would fit on this line. I'm sensing a theme there.
His industrious, intelligent style of hockey fits perfectly with Danault and Moore. With Laferriere, they could become a shutdown line that also hurts teams offensively.
Laferriere's tendency to be more of a goal scorer compliments Moore and Danault too, as does his ability to play a higher tempo game than Kaliyev.
A potential Moore-Danault-Laferriere line could be trusted in all situations and win most matchups, a dream set up for most coaches.
This is the line I'd go with if in McLellan's shoes. The idea of those three on a line together just feels right.
No Wrong Answers:
The nice thing for McLellan is that there are really no wrong answers here.
Any of the above combinations should, in theory, be successful. It's really about finding the best of a good situation.
I expect Kaliyev to return to Dubois and Fiala's line and Laferriere to take Arvidsson's spot and also think that's the right call.
McLellan shouldn't abandon a line he was high on in preseason and Laferriere with Moore and Danault feels like a perfect fit.
One thing is certain, Kings fans should get used to Laferriere on the big club.