They benefit mutually. Both players are on another level than many OHLers and with good chemistry, they feed off each other and neither are being held back by someone who can’t keep up with the skill. As for Van Loon, (the LW), Jenik credits a lot of his and Kaliyev’s success to Van Loon doing a lot of the dirty work and creating room for them.
As a 16 year old rookie, Kaliyev played up and down the line-up with a lot of skilled players and earned 31 goals and 48 points in his first year. The depth was incredible and they won the OHL championship. Our 3rd line better than many teams’ top line, which likely helped Kaliyev by playing with a lot of talent. Last year he was often with Brandon Saigeon and Matthew Strome. Saigeon and Kaliyev developed amazing chemistry over 2 seasons until Saigeon was traded at last year’s deadline. Also at that time, the Bulldogs acquired Jan Jenik’s CHL rights from Sarnia, who had remained in Czech and but agreed to play for Hamilton. While he learned the North American ice, Kaliyev and Jenik developed chemistry quickly.
Another aspect that I think has helped Kaliyev a lot, and a big reason why I think the Bulldogs have had a strong PP, is the coach Vince Laise. Prior to this year he was the assistant coach. Before coming to Hamilton 3 years ago, he was an assistant coach with the Erie Otters. With both teams, he has managed the offence and PPs. In Erie, he coached guys like McDavid, DeBrincat, Dylan Strome, and others. His track record with forwards is incredible, and I think a big part of Kaliyev’s development is because of Laise.
