The NHL is investigating allegations of gambling and financial manipulation involving Ottawa Senators forward Arthur Kaliyev, according to a league source. The claims stem from accusations by Kaliyev's former partner, who alleged he scammed her out of more than $50,000 and verbally abused her. Senators general manager Steve Staios stated the team is monitoring the situation but believes there is nothing to it.
The NHL has launched a review into allegations against 24-year-old Ottawa Senators forward Arthur Kaliyev concerning gambling and financial manipulation, a league source informed The Athletic on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Kaliyev's former partner, Lauren Mochem, first raised the accusations in social-media videos released in September, claiming he defrauded her of over $50,000 and subjected her to verbal abuse.
During a preseason media availability, Senators general manager Steve Staios acknowledged awareness of the matter. "It’s being monitored, but there’s nothing to it, is what we’ve been told," Staios said. Mochem expanded on her story in an interview with the New York Post published on Monday, prompting further scrutiny. Both the Ottawa Senators and their AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators—where Kaliyev is currently playing—declined to comment and referred inquiries to the NHL. The league also did not respond to requests for information on Thursday.
The source indicated that while the NHL had previously examined the allegations, new details from the Post article have initiated additional investigation. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman first reported on the issue.
Kaliyev joined the Senators this offseason following stints with the Los Angeles Kings, who drafted him 33rd overall in 2019, and the New York Rangers, to whom he was waived last season. In 204 career NHL games, he has recorded 38 goals and 76 points. Earlier in his career, Kaliyev won an Ontario Hockey League championship in 2018 with the Hamilton Bulldogs, where Staios served as general manager.