The Sabres have put Kaleta on waivers. According to GM Darcy Regier, he states that "This was a move we thought was necessary to help Pat change his game and preserve his career in this league."
Kaleta did express a desire to change his playing style, a speech once told by Matt Cooke and ultimately worked. He was also suspended back in March of last season for a hit on Brad Richards of the New York Rangers from behind.
If no other teams claims Kaleta, he will report to Buffalo's American Hockey League affiliate in Rochester, New York.
Ultimately, this was the right move for the Sabres, who are having trouble on the ice with their team, as well as dealing with player suspensions, like his and most recently, John Scott. I wasn't surprised they sent him down, but I thought John Scott would be the one the Sabres would place on waivers. Ultimately, that didn't happen...yet. I would think Kaleta would change his style of play because he is becoming too aggressive and hitting too many people in places where it affects careers the most. Sending him down to the AHL ultimately helps him rebuild his image and get back into good graces with the league. I believe he'll remain a Sabre because the organization wants him but also wants him to change his behavior. Right now, it's a move worth taking. And hopefully Patrick Kaleta's time in the AHL will help him bring his image back up to the point where it's considered "respectable and acceptable" by the league.
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