The LA Kings are set to start their season in under 70 days, facing a crucial decision regarding their last remaining RFA forward, Arthur Kaliyev.
Kaliyev has encountered several challenges within the Kings' organization. He has fallen out of favour in the depth chart due to limited playing time and dissatisfaction, leading him to request a trade.
However, as an RFA forward, the Kings hold the upper hand in this negotiation. Kaliyev does have the option to reject any proposed deal and sit out the season.
But doing so would not be in his best interest or the team's. His most advantageous move would be to consider a one-year, low-cost re-signing deal, committing to daily effort and hoping for a trade that would suit him better as the deadline approaches.
Should the Kings decide to pursue this path, they should offer Kaliyev a one-year contract for $800,000, positioning him on the team's bench. This strategy would not only allow him to increase his trade value but also to find a suitable trade destination closer to the deadline.
While this approach might not be the most logical for a team with a forward seeking to leave, it could be the most beneficial for Kaliyev and the Kings.