Looking ahead to the 2019 Draft: Arthur Kaliyev

MONTREAL - With the 2019 NHL Draft approaching, here are some options which could be of interest to the Canadiens, who hold the 15th pick in the first round. Today: forward Arthur Kaliyev.

Player profile
Stats
Kaliyev finished sixth in points in the Ontario Hockey League this season with 102. He's also a member of a select group of six players who hit the 50-goal mark in the OHL in 2018-19, becoming the first Hamilton Bulldogs player ever to reach the plateau.

The Bulldogs winger has proven to be a threat with the man advantage. Kaliyev finished second in the league with 20 power play tallies.

The 2017-18 OHL champion is in the running for the Red Tilson trophy given to the OHL's Most Outstanding Player. In a player poll, Kaliyev's shot was chosen as the best in the league by his peers.
Expert opinion
"Kaliyev has an NHL-caliber shot and high hockey IQ. He won't burn a defender wide but is powerful below the dots in the offensive zone and knows how to get open to create chances." -Mike G. Morreale, NHL Central Scouting Bureau
"The 17-year-old (6-2, 190) is a dynamic offensive force who was fourth in the Ontario Hockey League with 51 goals. He has a rocket for a shot and can get it off from anywhere on the ice. He's also an outstanding playmaker, as evidenced by his 51 assists. Kaliyev could be the game-breaking offensive force the Wild have lacked since Marian Gaborik left in free agency after the 2008-09 season." -Adam Kimelman, NHL Central Scouting Bureau