5 L.A. Kings Who Won't Return Next Season

5. Arthur Kaliyev, RW/LW

Free agency and retirement aren't the only pathways for Kings to leave Los Angeles. Trades are a big part of the NHL offseason experience and it wouldn't be shocking to see Arthur Kaliyev moved at some point this summer.

Kings fans were thrilled when Kaliyev fell to the franchise at No. 33 during the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. The former Hamilton Bulldog appeared to have the potential to be a top-six sniper for years to come, especially after amassing 95 goals and 200 points in his final two Ontario Hockey League seasons.

After a slow start to his career, Kaliyev looked like he was ready to take the next step after registering 28 points in 56 games during the 2022-23 season. Unfortunately, his play regressed last season as he only tallied 15 points in 51 outings, dropping from a 0.5 point-per-game clip to 0.29 PPG. His lackluster play resulted in his being a healthy scratch several teams, including throughout the postseason.

Kaliyev is an RFA this summer, meaning the Kings control his destiny. While they may choose to give him another 'prove yourself' deal, they could also use him as trade bait to acquire a more proven player. After all, Kaliyev is only 22 years, so it isn't unfathomable that there might be a team or two out there that believes they can rehab him.

Given that NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported in January that "it's been made pretty clear behind the scenes there that Kaliyev's time to go somewhere else," there's a good chance that the Kings revisit trade discussions this offseason.