Last week on Insider Trading, Darren Dreger reported that Los Angeles Kings forward Arthur Kaliyev was looking for a change, be that internal or otherwise.
Now, Elliotte Friedman is reporting that the Kings would be open to moving Kaliyev.
In the latest episode of 32 Thoughts, Friedman said that it's pretty clear his time has come for a change.
He then said that, if the Kings could get a depth player with some grit in return for Kaliyev, they would move him.
I made my opinions on potentially trading Kaliyev known last week, so I don't want to spend so much time on it.
In the end, I agree that it's probably time for him to move on.
He's a talented player, and I still believe there's an impact player in there, but I don't think it will happen with the Kings.
He doesn't fit into the Kings' system or philosophy.
He'll never be the defensively responsible, hard working forward the Kings like.
He needs to go somewhere he can be allowed to play his game and be himself.
I don't think the problem is moving Kaliyev now, it's how they've handled his development to this point.
They spent too long trying to fit a square peg into a round hole and will now sell low on Kaliyev.
There's an argument that the Kings should wait and see what happens with Todd McLellan before trading Kaliyev.
Maybe a new coach would help, but I'm not convinced.
If they do move on from McLellan, they'll likely bring in a coach with a similar ethos to McLellan.
If that happens, Kaliyev still won't fit in, even with a new coach.
I wouldn't mind them holding off if they plan on firing McLellan soon, but if Kaliyev and a new coach don't gel quickly, just move on.
Looking at what the Kings want, a depth player with snarl makes sense.
Carl Grundstrom has been filling that role, but has struggled this season.
He's still physical but hasn't scored a goal in more than 20 games and doesn't fight.
If they could get someone like Jordan Greenway from Buffalo, then pull the trigger.
That could also free up the option of sitting Andreas Englund, which could help.
The issue then becomes cap. Kaliyev makes just shy of $900,000 right now, giving them limited freedom in who they can target.
If Kaliyev is traded, it will be difficult to watch him leave and potentially thrive in a greater role.
However, that time has come. It's very unlikely he becomes that player in Los Angeles.
At least not under this regime.
Let the mock trades begin.