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Is there room for Kaleta?

July 8, 2012, 11:26 AM ET [247 Comments]
Kevin Freiheit
Buffalo Sabres Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Last June, I wrote an article about Patrick Kaleta and how there may not be room for him on the roster. (You can read it here - "Is Kaleta's future in Buffalo in jeopardy?")

Looking back at that post, I ask that same question again, but this time, I think Kaleta is more at risk for losing his spot.

This is what I had to say about Kaleta last year:

"In his first couple of seasons, Kaleta showed how he made it to the NHL, by his bone-crushing hits and ability to get under the skin of his opponents. He was the type of player that you'd hate to play against, but would love if he was on your team.

In the '09-'10 season, Kaleta lit the lamp 10 times, including twice short-handed and four of the goals being game winners.

Kaleta's contribution to the offense are nice to see, but I believe he needs to play the way that got him there. If he can make the other team known of his presence consistently, any offensive production would just be a bonus.

With his hard-hitting style of play, it's more than likely he will continue to miss time due to injuries. He can easily become the target of the opposition, and I don't see him playing a full season anytime soon."



Now, Kaleta has been even less of a factor than he used to be. He can't be relied on to play a full season, although some of it may not be his fault. His vicious style of play has had him suspended, even on questionable hits. His role has become more and more limited, causing him to go unnoticed in most games. With that and injuries, playing 70+ games in a season is out of the question.

As of right now, he's an RFA, but I'm not positive the Sabres have room for him. After the recent additions, do Sabres fans really want him, or need him on the team?

With Cody McCormick, Steve Ott, John Scott, and Corey Tropp all capable of playing physical, where does Kaleta fit in the Sabres lineup? To be honest, I don't know if he does at all.

While Kaleta is a cheap option, is it worth it?

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