Allegations of Financial Misconduct

NHL player Arthur Kaliyev has been accused by his ex-girlfriend, Lauren Mochen, of defrauding her out of over $50,000 through fake checks and unauthorized PayPal transactions. According to Mochen, the money allegedly funded Kaliyev’s gambling addiction, which has spiraled into personal and professional turmoil. While Kaliyev has not responded publicly, the NHL confirmed no rule violations based on current information.

The Gambling Allegations and Financial Trail

Reports indicate that Kaliyev’s gambling activities may have involved platforms like FanDuel, Crypto.com, and the offshore betting site Bovada, which is illegal for U.S. residents. Mochen shared digital evidence showing multiple PayPal transfers leading to betting accounts. She claims the financial exploitation began in 2023, when Kaliyev convinced her to deposit fake checks totaling $7,500, which later bounced during a trip to the Bahamas, leaving her with a negative $7,000 balance.

Further accusations suggest Kaliyev used her financial accounts without permission, creating a second PayPal under her name and withdrawing over $14,000. Mochen says the fraud continued through 2024, leaving her financially devastated.

The Relationship: Love, Lies, and Red Flags

The pair met in Michigan in 2022, when Kaliyev was rising in the NHL after being drafted by the Los Angeles Kings. Mochen, a 22-year-old model and brain cancer survivor, described their relationship as loving but increasingly erratic. Kaliyev reportedly confided in her about alleged family issues and financial restrictions, which she later realized were fabrications.

As his gambling behavior worsened—marked by obsessive phone use, mood swings, and luxury spending despite claimed poverty—tensions mounted. Mochen’s family initially supported the couple, unaware of the deepening financial deception.

Escalation: From Emotional Abuse to Financial Ruin

The first major confrontation came when fraudulent checks caused Mochen’s accounts to be closed. Kaliyev allegedly promised repayment and blamed his family for the financial chaos. However, by late 2024, bank officials revealed Kaliyev was banned from Chase Bank for misusing his Social Security number.

The situation reportedly deteriorated further as Kaliyev’s gambling debts extended beyond Mochen to NHL teammates and staff, with rumors of $50,000 owed in locker-room fines and betting pools. Despite these claims, no formal complaints have been filed by teammates or the league.

Career Consequences: From the Kings to the Senators

Kaliyev’s off-ice issues appear to have shadowed his NHL career. After multiple warnings from the Los Angeles Kings, he was waived in January 2025 for disciplinary issues related to unpaid trainer tips. He briefly joined the New York Rangers, playing only 14 games before suffering another clavicle injury.

By mid-2025, Kaliyev had signed a one-year deal with the Ottawa Senators but was reassigned to their AHL affiliate in Belleville. Sources close to the team say internal discussions about his gambling continued, though no league penalties followed.

Emotional Fallout and Mental Health Crisis

During early 2025, Kaliyev allegedly made suicidal threats in calls with Mochen. The NHLPA’s Player Assistance Program offered help through psychiatrist Dr. Joel Gold, but Kaliyev reportedly refused treatment. Mochen later connected with the NHLPA herself to seek emotional support.

In March 2025, Mochen reached out to Kaliyev’s sister, Elvina, a professional tennis player, who acknowledged the family’s awareness of his gambling but expressed shock at its severity. Their relationship officially ended in the summer of 2025.

Public Reaction and Legal Steps

In September 2025, Mochen filed a police report in Saginaw Township, Michigan, alleging larceny and fraud. She also released a 32-part TikTok series, documenting her experience with receipts, messages, and transaction logs. The videos quickly went viral, sparking widespread media attention and online outrage.

The New York Post, ESPN, and Maxim later covered the story, while social media users drew comparisons to historical sports gambling scandals. Kaliyev, however, has not issued a statement or appeared publicly since the allegations surfaced.

Timeline of Key Events

Broader Implications: The NHL’s Gambling Dilemma

This case reignites concerns about gambling culture in professional sports—especially after the widespread legalization of sports betting in North America. While the NHL has partnerships with betting companies, it faces growing pressure to address player addiction risks and improve internal safeguards.

Experts argue for stronger financial oversight and mental health programs for athletes, noting that fame and access to high-stakes betting can be a dangerous combination. Kaliyev’s silence leaves many questions unanswered, but his case underscores how personal struggles can derail even the most promising careers.

Final Thoughts

The Arthur Kaliyev controversy reflects the hidden vulnerabilities of life in professional sports—where success, wealth, and pressure intertwine. Whether or not legal action proceeds, the allegations highlight the urgent need for player accountability, addiction support, and emotional resilience within the NHL.

As investigations continue, one thing is clear: behind the glamour of the ice, there are stories of loss, trust, and the human cost of unchecked addiction.