NHL Mock Draft 2019: New York Rangers Select Arthur Kaliyev 16th Overall

We have a trade to announce!

As SB Nation’s 2019 Mock Draft continues, the New York Rangers trade the 20th overall pick, along with the 49th overall pick, to the Colorado Avalanche for 16th overall. With that 16th overall pick, the New York Rangers select forward Arthur Kaliyev of the Hamilton Bulldogs from the OHL.

Vitals

Position: Left Wing

Age on Draft Day: 18.00 Years Old

Height/Weight: 6’2, 190 pounds

2018-2019 Stats: 61 GP, 51 G, 51 A, 22 PIM

Other Rankings

NHL Central Scouting (North America only): 7th

Craig Button: 9th

Elite Prospects: 11th

Bob McKenzie: 13th

Future Considerations: 28th

ISS Hockey: 28th

In draft filled with uncertainty and fluctuations after the 2nd overall pick, Arthur Kaliyev is probably the personification of that uncertainty.

Kaliyev likes to shoot the puck and score goals, and he’s very good at both of those things. As Adam points out in our draft profile of the young winger.

As 51 goals in 67 games would suggest, Kaliyev is very proficient at putting pucks into the net. He has a wicked release. The time it takes for him to receive a pass and then take a shot is negligible. He generates a ton of velocity without really having to put too much of his own weight into the release. He’s a go-to triggerman for one-timer situations; particularly on the power. So many of his goals were scored around the circles, or even at a sharper angle.

While his numbers pop out, there are flaws in Kaliyev’s game, perceived or actual, that drop him down the draft order. Adam points out that Kaliyev can be a bit lacking in the defensive end and that his skating is not his best asset.

In his profile he points out:

Kaliyev is hardly a walking red flag. He has some problems, but they are moderate in nature. Phil Kessel and Alex Kovalev are not particularly known for being the most industrious, hard-working players on the ice. That did not prevent them from having long NHL careers nor lifting the Stanley Cup.

But that does not mean that talent alone will elevate Kaliyev to a successful NHL career. That uncertainty is enough to scare off some NHL scouts. As one posed to me: “I’m using extremes but is he Ovechkin or Yakupov?”

However, these are flaws that can be addressed over time and with careful work and the Rangers are an organization loaded with prospects and picks so they can afford the take the big swing on Kaliyev’s raw skill and upside.

While trading the higher of the two 2019 2nd round picks along with the 20th overall pick, acquired from Winnipeg as part of the return for Kevin Hayes, to move up 4 spots might seem like an overpayment, Kaliyev is the kind of talent that the Blueshirts can afford to take that kind of bet on.

SBN NHL Mock Draft to Date

1. New Jersey selects Jack Hughes, via All About The Jersey.

2. NY Rangers select Kaapo Kakko, via Blueshirt Banter.

3. Chicago selects Alex Turcotte, via Second City Hockey.

4. Colorado selects Kirby Dach, via Mile High Hockey.

5. Los Angeles selects Dylan Cozens, via Jewels From The Crown.

6. Detroit selects Bowen Byram, via Winging It In Motown.

7. Buffalo selects Cole Caufield, via Die By The Blade.

8. Edmonton selects Peyton Krebs, via Copper & Blue.

9. Anaheim selects Trevor Zegras, via Anaheim Calling.

10. Vancouver selects Matthew Boldy, via Nucks Misconduct.

11. Philadelphia selects Alex Newhook, via Broad Street Hockey

12. Minnesota selects Vasili Podkolzin, via Hockey Wilderness

13. Florida selects Philip Broberg, via Litter Box Cats

14. Arizona selects Victor Soderstrom, via Five for Howling

15. Montreal selects Thomas Harley, via Habs Eyes on the Prize