2019 NHL Draft prospect profile: Arthur Kaliyev scouting report
The 2019 NHL Draft features a number of goal scorers. None of them are more fascinating than winger Arthur Kaliyev, who put up 102 points in the OHL.
The name of the game in the modern NHL is scoring goals. If you can score goals, chances are you’ll get plenty of chances to play. The 2019 NHL Draft features a number of interesting goal scorers. Perhaps none of them are more fascinating and interesting than forward Arthur Kaliyev.
If you strictly look at production, he had one of the best seasons of any 2019 draft prospect. Only Jack Hughes outscored him, as Kaliyev posted 102 points and 51 goals in 67 games. In the OHL, he led all under-18 skaters in points, primary points, goals, primary points, points per game, and primary points per game.
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Kaliyev was dominant at 5v5 as well. Among OHL players under the age of 18, only Philip Tomasino had more 5v5 points (58) and goals (30) than him (55 and 29, respectively). Kaliyev led his peers in primary points with 47.
Prospect Profile
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 190 pounds
Teams: Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)
Country: USA
Position: Left Wing
Handedness: Left-handed
Date of birth: June 26, 2001
All profile info is courtesy of Elite Prospects.
Strengths
Kaliyev was extremely productive despite being one of the youngest players in the league. He put up 102 points on an otherwise unimpressive Hamilton Bulldogs team. Kaliyev was a huge reason they made the OHL playoffs, as they only scored 241 goals all season. This means he helped account for over 40% of their goals.
Even if you only count his primary points (goals and first assists), Kaliyev played a role in 32.78% of their goals, which is incredibly good. It’s rare to see a wing account for so much of his team’s offense. This highlights Kaliyev’s offensive talents and instincts.
Kaliev has the ability to drive his own line offensively. He’s a dangerous weapon who has a lethal shot. On the power-play, Kaliyev loves to shoot from the slot. He was among the OHL’s leaders in power play points with 40 points and 18 goals. Only Jason Robertson (2017 second-round pick of the Dallas Stars) had more points and only Jonathan Yantsis (2019 draft eligible forward) had more goals.
He showed this season he can be a playmaker. Last year, Kaliyev had just 17 assists. This season, he made it a point to get his teammates involved more, and it showed. Kaliyev’s assist total rose to 51. He’s a much more complete player offensively right now than he was last season.
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Weaknesses
I’m not a big fan of Kaliyev’s skating. He’s not a liability there, but you’d like to see him make some big improvements in that area. Kaliyev’s defense is a significant issue, as he often looks lost in the defensive zone. He tends to struggle to have a big impact in games if he doesn’t score (which, honestly, isn’t that often).
Despite having a strong frame, Kaliyev isn’t a physical player. There are also concerns if his style of play will stick in the NHL. I think Kaliyev is talented enough to make it work, but it’s something worth keeping an eye on.
What They’re Saying
"Kaliyev can often look like he’s not going that hard and will have long stretches of indifference. With that said, even in the many games where he looks like he’s doing nothing, you’ll check the box score and see one goal and two points. – Corey Pronman from The Athletic"
"His one-timer will make him a threat at any level and he’s not a one-trick pony, either… He’s going to prove some doubters wrong.- Scott Wheeler from The Athletic"
Highlights
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Overall Outlook
Much like Visali Podkolzin, Kaliyev could wind up a “boom or bust” pick. However, there’s a lot more to like about the latter. First of all, Kaliyev has the better-suited skillset for the NHL. Secondly, his production is off the charts good. At the very least, Kaliyev’s going to be a Marc-Andre Bergeron power-play specialist type.
If you’re going to take a chance on a skilled, but flawed, wing in the top 15, I’d go with Kaliyev over Podkolzin every time. He must improve his overall game if he wants to stick in the NHL, but I think that’s something he’s capable of doing. If nothing else, Kaliyev can probably outscore his deficiencies.