Based on practice, Jonny Brodzinski is trending toward replacing Arthur Kaliyev.

The Los Angeles Kings are in the midst of an evolving roster that’s aiming to remain competitive in the NHL’s tough Western Conference. One key change on the horizon could see Jonny Brodzinski stepping into a prominent role, potentially replacing Arthur Kaliyev in the lineup.

This shift may not have been anticipated at the start of the season, but based on recent practices and game observations, Brodzinski is trending toward securing more ice time and could be seen as a viable option in place of Kaliyev.

In this deep dive, we’ll explore Jonny Brodzinski’s journey, the specific role he plays on the Kings, and what his potential inclusion in the lineup means for both the team and Arthur Kaliyev. We’ll also break down how this shift could impact the team’s overall success, taking into account Brodzinski’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the reasons for Kaliyev’s potential demotion or benching.

1. Jonny Brodzinski: A Career of Steady Progression

Jonny Brodzinski, 30, has built a career that’s seen him go from an undrafted prospect to a key player in the Kings’ depth chart. His journey is one of perseverance, and he’s earned every chance to make a lasting impact at the NHL level.

Brodzinski was originally drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the 2013 NHL Draft (5th round, 148th overall), but he never made the full leap to the Wild’s roster. After spending time in both the AHL and the ECHL, he eventually found a home with the Los Angeles Kings. Brodzinski spent a large chunk of his early career with the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, where he developed into a reliable forward, both offensively and defensively.

While Brodzinski didn’t initially burst onto the scene, he worked his way through the ranks, gaining more and more responsibility. His offensive game is often described as steady, with the ability to contribute in a secondary scoring role, but it’s his defensive awareness and work ethic that have truly set him apart.

In 2024, Brodzinski earned himself a full-time role with the Kings, and it’s in this context that he is now trending toward a more regular spot in the lineup. The combination of his solid two-way play, versatility, and ability to fill different roles when necessary has made him a valuable depth piece for the team. His skill set might not be as flashy as some of the Kings’ top forwards, but he brings consistency, grit, and stability to a lineup in need of depth.

2. Arthur Kaliyev: The Struggles and What’s at Stake

Arthur Kaliyev, 21, has long been considered one of the Kings’ most exciting young talents. A former second-round pick (33rd overall) in the 2019 NHL Draft, Kaliyev has shown flashes of brilliance with his powerful shot, offensive ability, and creative instincts. However, inconsistency has been a key issue in his young career.

Kaliyev’s potential to be a top-six forward has been evident, but his inability to consistently elevate his game has caused the Kings to question his fit in a more prominent role. In his early years with the team, Kaliyev has shown an impressive shot that has led to several highlight-reel goals, but it’s his work ethic and commitment to defensive play that have raised concerns. He has struggled at times to maintain his defensive responsibility, and at 21, his focus on the details of his game continues to be a work in progress.

The Kings are a team with championship aspirations, and as a result, their roster decisions must be made with the goal of ensuring the team performs consistently and at a high level. While Kaliyev has a lot of raw potential, the team’s patience with him has started to run thin, especially as younger, more well-rounded players like Brodzinski show the ability to fill important roles without the same level of inconsistency.

Brodzinski’s more reliable two-way play and disciplined approach to the game have made him a more trusted option in recent practices. Kaliyev, while immensely talented, may not be ready to seize that opportunity just yet, particularly with the way the Kings are trending.

3. Why Jonny Brodzinski Is Trending Toward the Spot

The reason Jonny Brodzinski is trending toward replacing Arthur Kaliyev lies in several factors: his reliability, defensive play, and overall consistency. Over the course of the 2024 season, Brodzinski has been given more chances to step into higher-leverage roles, and his ability to step up when needed has given him the edge over Kaliyev.

1. Defensive Reliability

One of Brodzinski’s key strengths is his defensive awareness. While he’s not known as a top-tier shutdown player, his understanding of positioning, strong back-checking, and ability to limit turnovers make him a much more reliable player in defensive situations compared to Kaliyev. In a team like the Kings, where defensive responsibility is paramount, Brodzinski’s ability to play a sound two-way game makes him a valuable asset on the bottom two lines.

Brodzinski has made it clear through his play that he can be trusted in defensive zone coverage, and that reliability allows the Kings to maintain a steady structure in all three zones.

2. Consistency and Work Ethic

Brodzinski has been known for his work ethic and consistency, two factors that have endeared him to coaching staff. While he may not be the flashiest player, he gives maximum effort every time he’s on the ice, and that consistency has paid off. Coaches value players who can be trusted to play the right way every shift, and Brodzinski fits that mold perfectly.

Brodzinski’s ability to grind out shifts and stick to his defensive assignments has given him the trust of the coaching staff. This level of dependability often trumps offensive upside, especially on a team like the Kings, who can’t afford to gamble on a player who might not show up every night.

3. Special Teams Play

Another area where Brodzinski excels is in special teams play, particularly on the penalty kill. Brodzinski’s ability to contribute on both ends of the special teams spectrum—whether it’s as a valuable contributor on the PK or helping to generate pressure in the offensive zone—is something that the Kings are leaning into more. In contrast, Kaliyev has struggled to make the same impact on special teams, particularly defensively, which makes Brodzinski a more well-rounded option.

While Kaliyev’s offensive upside gives him a higher ceiling, Brodzinski’s versatility and well-rounded game may allow the Kings to have a more balanced approach in the bottom six.

4. Competition for Ice Time

With the Kings’ forward depth chart continuing to grow, opportunities for Kaliyev to assert himself in the top-six or even bottom-six roles are becoming fewer. The competition has heightened, and players like Brodzinski are taking advantage of this situation. As a result, the Kings’ coaching staff may prefer the stability that Brodzinski offers, especially when they need to round out their lines.

If Brodzinski can continue to demonstrate strong play in practices and show his ability to compete with other bottom-six forwards, Kaliyev might find himself on the outside looking in for the time being. This is a critical moment in Kaliyev’s career, where he will need to prove that he can take his game to the next level, especially in terms of consistency.

4. What This Means for the Los Angeles Kings

If Jonny Brodzinski indeed replaces Arthur Kaliyev in the lineup, it could have significant ramifications for the Kings’ overall success. Here’s a look at how this change could impact the team:

1. A More Balanced Lineup

Brodzinski’s steady defensive play and work ethic could give the Kings a more balanced lineup, especially in the bottom-six. With Brodzinski providing solid defensive play, the Kings can rely on their more offensive-minded players like Anze Kopitar, Kevin Fiala, and Quinton Byfield to focus on generating offense without worrying about breakdowns in coverage.

Brodzinski’s presence could also allow the Kings to roll four lines more effectively, especially if they’re looking to keep a strong defensive structure throughout the game. His inclusion could be a stabilizing factor, providing an additional layer of depth to the team’s overall makeup.

2. Increased Competition for Roles

This potential switch underscores the level of competition within the Kings’ lineup. Players like Brodzinski are emerging as potential contributors, while others like Kaliyev are fighting to maintain their spots. This internal competition will only make the team better in the long run, pushing players to elevate their performances and solidify their roles in the lineup.

3. Depth for the Playoff Push

As the Kings aim for a playoff berth in the 2025 NHL season, having reliable depth options like Brodzinski could be crucial. In high-pressure games, teams rely on their bottom-six forwards to step up in key moments, especially in defensive situations. Brodzinski’s steady presence in this regard could prove invaluable when the Kings make their push toward the postseason.