Former Senator Arthur Kaliyev Finally Signs A New Deal

Despite leading the Belleville Senators and the entire American Hockey League in goal scoring last season, free agent forward Arthur Kaliyev had to wait until late October to find a new team.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Kaliyev is signing a 25-game professional tryout agreement with the Iowa Wild, the AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild.

Kaliyev scored 40 goals in 70 games with the Belleville Senators last season, becoming the first player in franchise history to win the AHL goal-scoring title. He also added 28 assists for 68 points, finishing tied for third in league scoring and earning a spot on the AHL's First All-Star Team.

It was an outstanding season for the 25-year-old winger, but it wasn't enough to earn him another contract with the Senators organization.

Kaliyev signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Senators in July 2025, hoping to revive an NHL career that had stalled during previous stops with the Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers.

There was already some familiarity between Kaliyev and the Senators' front office. He played junior hockey for the Hamilton Bulldogs when Michael Andlauer owned the team and Steve Staios ran its hockey operations.

Despite his impressive production in Belleville, Kaliyev barely got a cup of coffee in Ottawa. Maybe an espresso. He appeared in two games and got one assist, before being returned to the minors for the rest of the season.

When the summer arrived, he became a free agent and the Senators let him walk. Not many people in Ottawa complained about that, but no one would have imagined that he'd go six months without getting a deal.

One possible factor was the off-ice controversy that followed him throughout last season.

Kaliyev's former girlfriend, Lauren Mochem, accused him of defrauding her of more than $50,000 during their relationship, alleging that he used the money to support a gambling addiction. The police and the NHL investigated and found no evidence of any violation.

Kaliyev's offensive ability has never been the biggest question about his game. The former second-round pick has a shot that's elite, even by NHL standards. 

His skating and defensive play have been more persistent concerns, helping explain why his success in the AHL hasn't translated into a permanent NHL role.

For now, Kaliyev will attempt to rebuild his career in Iowa, where a 25-game tryout gives him another chance.

It's a weird position for the reigning AHL goal scoring champion to find himself in.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News Ottawa