Recent allegations have surfaced linking the Los Angeles Kings to a gambling controversy involving former player Arthur Kaliyev. The accusations stem from claims made by Kaliyev's ex-girlfriend, Lauren Mochen, who alleges the current Belleville Senators forward defrauded her of over $50,000 to fuel a gambling addiction. These allegations have cast a shadow over Kaliyev's time with the Kings, with claims that he owed significant sums to former teammates and staff.

Mochen's allegations, detailed in a New York Post expose, paint a picture of Kaliyev exploiting her trust and finances. She claims that over their three-year relationship, Kaliyev gained access to her PayPal account, opened financial accounts in her name, and deposited fraudulent checks, leaving her with substantial debt. Mochen says Kaliyev told her his family was stealing his earnings, leading her to believe he was in financial distress and prompting her to offer financial assistance. However, she alleges that the money was used to cover gambling losses.

The controversy extends beyond Mochen's claims, with allegations that Kaliyev owed tens of thousands of dollars to former Kings teammates and staff. According to the New York Post, defenseman Drew Doughty allegedly referenced approximately $50,000 in unpaid debts from "fines, fees, and betting pools". Text messages Mochen provided to the New York Post reportedly show Igor Larionov II, a friend of Kaliyev's, communicating with Doughty about the debts.

Sources cited by the New York Post suggest that Kaliyev's trade from Los Angeles was delayed last season until these debts were settled. The report claims that former Kings General Manager Rob Blake approached Kaliyev's agent, Ian Pulver, about unpaid tips to Kings trainers from the previous season. Frustration reportedly grew when Blake learned Kaliyev had not paid, leading him to state that he would not waive or trade the player until the debts were settled. Mochen reportedly paid Kaliyev so that he could cover the trainers' tips. Subsequently, the Kings placed Kaliyev on waivers in January.

Pulver declined to comment on the gambling allegations but did not deny that Kaliyev owes him money for services rendered. He stated he has "no comment on anything that has to do with any private or personal matter with my client".

The NHL has reportedly looked into the allegations against Kaliyev, but responded that there was "no substantiation".

Kaliyev's career has been marked by controversy. Prior to the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, rumors circulated regarding his age and place of birth. After three seasons with the Kings, he was claimed off waivers by the New York Rangers last season. He signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Senators this past offseason and is currently playing for their AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators. Neither Kaliyev nor the Ottawa Senators have commented on the allegations.