Former Kings forward Arthur Kaliyev shared his thoughts about the team after being claimed off waivers by the Rangers yesterday.
The Rangers acquired Kaliyev from Los Angeles while experiencing a challenging season, having dropped to 7th place in the Metro Division and struggling with a 3-7-0 record over their last ten games. While he may not contribute immediately, Kaliyev could be a building block for the future. The 23-year-old has only 2 points in 5 AHL games this season and has yet to play in the NHL, which could explain the Kings’ decision to waive him. Nevertheless, Kaliyev is enthusiastic about the opportunity, expressing, “I didn’t expect it, obviously, but it’s kind of like a dream come true. I grew up watching and obviously living down here for a long time… Not much more words you can say.”
However, he didn’t shy away from subtly criticizing the Kings, indicating he had been seeking an opportunity to leave for some time: “Been looking for it for quite a bit of time.” Though his performance has not improved much in recent seasons, Kaliyev, at just 23, still has potential for growth, and the Rangers may be able to help realize that potential.
In a related note, MSG Networks recently ceased broadcasting the Rangers, Islanders, and Devils for certain cable providers starting January 1st. This decision specifically affects Altice’s Optimum service. MSG released a statement on December 31st, explaining that they could not reach an agreement on new pricing with Altice, noting their offer to lower prices was not sufficient.
Puck Pros reporter Ant Barberio highlighted the significant impact of this decision, stating that over a million households could be affected, particularly since some areas have no alternative to Optimum. Barberio explained that the conflict revolves around the fees that cable companies must pay networks for broadcasting rights, with MSG alleging that Optimum seeks to reduce their current payments while moving content to a “higher priced tier.”
This situation not only affects NHL fans, but also followers of other sports like the NBA, with the New York Knicks being a notable example. Comedian Tracy Morgan expressed his frustration on social media about losing access to games on Optimum. Disputes like this are not uncommon, but they often leave fans feeling the brunt of the consequences. This may lead numerous hockey fans in the tri-state area to seek alternative ways to watch games, including illegal streaming options, especially since local games are blacked out on platforms like ESPN+. Hopefully, a satisfactory resolution will emerge soon.
