Elliotte Friedman: Los Angeles Kings Waive Young Talent - Should the Maple Leafs Claim Him?
With the Los Angeles Kings placing one of their younger talents on waivers Sunday, could GM Brad Treliving scoop him up as a cheap option to add to his depth?
A lot of talk surrounds the Toronto Maple Leafs and GM Brad Treliving when it comes to who is going to add to his team before or at the trade deadline. Reports vary from elite centers to depth defensemen, and there are several other factors that are making it a bit tougher for the team to bring in.
While the trade market is a viable option, there's also the free agent route. With names like Jonathan Toews and John Klingberg looking to make NHL comebacks this season, Toronto has been linked to both men as potential candidates to bring in some help.
But one often overlooked transaction in the NHL comes courtesy of the waiver wire. Players often pass through due to roster management and financial constraints and teams have a chance to stake a claim if they think a player can bring them some success.
So with Elliotte Friedman reporting on Sunday afternoon that the Los Angeles Kings placed young winger Arthur Kaliyev on waivers, could Brad Treliving look to make a move and bring in a potential stud?
Toronto Should Bring In Arthur Kaliyev To Aid Forward Depth
The potential of Kaliyev is undeniable. Standing 6'2, weighing 210 pounds and still only 23 years old, there is something to be said about giving up on such a prospect so early.
Drafted 33rd overall by the Kings in 2019, he was taken so high due to his lightning quick but heavy shot, hustle, and good offensive instincts leading to him being able to make the right choices leading to more scoring chances.
This season he hasn't played with the Kings but has a career total of 35 goals and 36 assists in 188 games. His defense is a work in progress but the Maple Leafs have the coaching and veteran leadership available to improve it quickly.
After signing an extension with the team in the summer, he unfortunately suffered a fractured collarbone in training camp and hasn't played yet this year. Much like Toronto did with re-acquiring Dakota Mermis, they can bring in Kaliyev and rehab him until he's ready to make an impact.
His extension isn't costly either, at only $825,000 and is a restricted free agent at the end of the season, so being able to pounce on the chance to extend a player with such potential has ramifications for now and the future.
Toronto will have until 2pm on Monday to make a claim on Kaliyev unless another team places one first, and he's a very sneaky choice for Brad Treliving to bring in.
