Thursday night’s game against the New Jersey Devils wasn’t just Arthur Kaliyev’s first game with the New York Rangers.

It was also Kaliyev’s first NHL game since April 3.

The 23-year-old forward was scratched by the Los Angeles Kings for much of last season and suffered a broken collarbone during training camp this year that kept him from playing for several weeks.

After his recovery, he didn’t make the Kings’ lineup before the team ultimately placed him on waivers.

The Rangers quickly picked him up off waivers, giving Kaliyev a second chance and a much-needed fresh start.

In his first game, the right winger completed 8:31 minutes while playing on a line with Jonny Brodzinski and Brett Berard.

While he didn’t make any standout plays or score points, it was a solid start for a player who hasn’t played in the NHL in months.

“It’s good to get him in there,” Peter Laviolette said. “Kaliyev has been out for a long time due to injury, so I think it will take a minute for him to get back on his feet. He can skate, he can move the puck and it was a good day for him and I’m sure he’ll build on it.”

Kaliyev should only get better the more he plays as he has shown his potential in the past.