SALT LAKE CITY — Artur Kaliyev had an unconventional start to the 2024-25 season.
First, it officially started three games ago, on Jan. 9, when the 23-year-old wing was picked up off waivers by the Rangers three days earlier and inserted into the Battle of the Hudson.
Considering the fact that he opened the season on injured reserve due to a broken collarbone, Kaliyev is looking to not only shake off the rust from missing the first three-plus months of the season, but also readjust to his second NHL team of his life. I needed to. It was part of.
“I think he's gradually getting better,” Kaliyev said of how he's calming down after taking part in Rangers' optional practice at the Olympic Oval on Wednesday afternoon. “I'm feeling a little bit better every game. Hopefully things get even better and I continue to play my best in all three zones. Hopefully I can take more shots and score goals.” may also increase.”
Kaliyev has already played for six different Rangers after skating on the right wing of the third line with Chris Kreider and Filip Sitil on Tuesday night. He also lined up next to Brett Berard and Johnny Brodzinski in his Blueshirt debut, and skated next to Jimmy Vesey and Sam Carrick in subsequent contests.
Considering all these factors, Kaliyev, understandably, still does not understand his direction.
“We're just watching and trying to get an opinion on his game,” head coach Peter Laviolette said. “Conversations with him are about trying to make an impact and show what he's capable of. We know he can shoot the puck, he can create. He's a big guy. He can have that kind of impact in a game. I think he's been playing with different linemates almost every game, so I think he's going to take a minute or two to find some continuity within the line. .
“We know he's a player who can make a difference offensively, so we want to see him continue to push that forward.”
Laviolette took a shot Kaliyev took against the Avalanche into the goal, but it was “ripped.”
Kaliyev is known for having a shot-first mentality, so Laviolette said he wants to see more of that and see Kaliyev find his way into areas where he can get shots.
However, Kaliyev's adjustment period continues.
When asked how he is feeling and if he is still getting back into the game, Kaliyev said he thinks he is starting to get back into shape.
“I did a lot of skating.” [coming] “The injury has healed,” he said. “I felt better than I expected. I don't think I'm at my best yet, but I think I'm getting better. Just take that timing and get your feeling back everywhere. I haven't played for a long time,” he said. Because I wasn't there.”
The Rangers rank second in the NHL in faceoff win percentage at 53.8 percent, and have shot at least 50 percent in 30 of their 43 games so far this season at 69.8 percent.
The Hartford Wolf Pack has Matt Lempe. Bobblehead themed night on January 25th.
