During the 2025 free agency, the Ottawa Senators were looking to add fourth line depth after re-signing Nick Cousins, signing Lars Eller and losing Adam Gaudette to the San Jose Sharks. To add depth, the Senators signed Arthur Kaliyev.
Kaliyev's contract signed was a one-year, two-way contract at $775,000. Signing with Ottawa offers a fresh start for Kaliyev after he played in just 14 games for the New York Rangers last season.
After playing just 14 games last season in New York, Kaliyev will need to show why he deserved more NHL playing. However, even with a fresh start on deck with the Senators, Kaliyev still could become a trade bait piece.
Why Kaliyev could become trade bait
At 24 years old, potential is still there for Kaliyev to boost his game more. Kaliyev showed promise in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 season when he recorded 55 points combined in those two seasons as a member of the Los Angeles Kings. However, it's been a tough two-year stretch for Kaliyev ever since.
In the 2023-24 season with the Kings, Kaliyev recorded 15 points. Then last season, Kaliyev played just 14 games and recorded four points for the Rangers. Of his four points last season, Kaliyev scored three goals for the Rangers.
If the Senators are in deep playoff contention in 2026, Kaliyev being on an expiring contract and still having potential could make him become trade bait. The Senators could look into trading away Kaliyev to improve the roster at the trade deadline.
Being behind, Cousins, Eller and Michael Amadio for the fourth line puts Kaliyev in a tough position to get NHL play. There's also more to put pressure on Kaliyev.
Ottawa's AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators have talented prospects on the roster that could be due to get NHL playing time at some point next season. In particular is forward Stephen Halliday. Last season, Halliday exploded with leading Belleville with 51 points. Halliday made a 46-point increase in just one AHL season.
Other prospects in Belleville could be due to get NHL playing time with both Angus Crookshank and Cole Reinhardt leaving in free agency. Wyatt Bongiovanni could be the next one to get called up after Halliday for NHL playing time.
That is where pressure is on Kaliyev for next season. If Kaliyev has struggles, the Senators could look to insert other players from Belleville into the lineup in case of injuries or players having struggles.
Kaliyev being on a one-year contract will make him have something to prove. If Kaliyev has struggles in the AHL or NHL, his time in Ottawa could be on thin ice. A strong preseason from Kaliyev can make a strong first impression before the season opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Oct. 9.