A solid skater with good stride power, Kaliyev boasts an accurate and elite shot and has the instincts of a natural goal scorer. He has average foot speed that holds him back in puck races. Although he won’t wow anyone with explosiveness, he is well balanced on his feet and has a solid top speed when he gets going. Dangerous with the puck on his stick, he uses his frame to protect the puck well and possesses a nose for the net. Shows better vision and patience on the cycle and finding open teammates across the zone. Plays a power forward game when he’s engaged, finishing his hits and using his size to open up space in the soft areas of the offensive end. Has a very quick release on his shot with great accuracy, making him a threat to score off the rush or use a defender as a screen for his wrist shot. He gets into open space really well in the offensive zone which helps his teammates feed him the puck. Scouts have reservations about his work ethic and his play in his own end. His compete level is low as he is the last to forecheck, backcheck and get involved in any kind of physical battle. That being said, he has a good reach on the backcheck and will help support his defenders low in the zone when necessary.

– FCHockey’s 2019 NHL Draft Guide