The New York Rangers have found a spot in the lineup for forward Arthur Kaliyev. He's found himself a healthy scratch lately, so what is Peter Laviolette's reasoning this time around?
Peter Laviolette's given forward Arthur Kaliyev another shot in the lineup, as Kaliyev was seen at morning skate taking line rushes with Chris Kreider and center Sam Carrick.
The move was a surprise, given the fact that Kaliyev hasn't been able to crack the regular lineup lately.
He's only played 13 games for the Rangers this season and tallied 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist) for the team. Hardly enough to move the needle for a team that has to compete to make the postseason.
But Peter Laviolette had his reasons.
The reason being he wants Kaliyev to get more ice-time, and learn to be more consistent. A fair critique for a player who is still in his development period in the NHL arguably.
However, we don't often get to see him extend the grace to players like Zac Jones that he is now offering to Kaliyev.
If Kaliyev could figure out how to put together a solid offensive effort on the third-line the team would be so much better than it is already.
But that means Laviolette can't exclusively fall back on veterans who don't produce either.
But we know how that goes right?
If the young forward wants to see regular playing time from Laviolette he'll have to convince him and that is by producing like his predecessor did in that spot. He should pick Will Cuylle's brain for tips and tricks that he doesn't know and see if he's not successful afterward.
As it stands there are worse things he can do, just ask Alexis Lafreniere.
