PATTY DESERVES A CHANCEDespite the fact that it is early on and there still could be some free agency action later on this summer, although unlikely, management would be wise to see what Patrick Kaleta can do this year.
The only criticism taken by the Sabres last year had to do with the team's lack of toughness up front and gritty style play that was sorely missing. Since Drury and Zubrus, both leaders of that kind of play, are elsewhere, Kaleta deserves at least some 4th line ice time to see what he can do against teams that are known for their physical play.
Kaleta is still very young and still can develop his offensive game in Rochester, but I think it is worth the ice time to let him at least make a case for belonging with the big club.
Let us not forget his refusal to back down against Ottawa during the infamous brawl game last year. After taking a cheap slash from Danny Heatley before the face off leading to the brawl, he did not shy away from any of the scrums that occurred in the following minutes.
Also, with all the offensive talent that still remains despite losing the captains, he stands to learn a lot by playing with the older guys and can jump start his offensive production.
In the end, the Sabres need to concentrate on areas where they came up short last year, namely physical play. With the losses of Grier, Pyatt, Zubrus, and Drury, they need others like Gaustad to step up and they need to find new sources, if free agency is not in the plan.
Kaleta has the guts and the toughness and given some time to workout in the bigs, he can turn into a physical force who can help fill in the gaps on a team that is mainly smaller and fast. It's time to at least give the local boy a chance.
The only criticism taken by the Sabres last year had to do with the team's lack of toughness up front and gritty style play that was sorely missing. Since Drury and Zubrus, both leaders of that kind of play, are elsewhere, Kaleta deserves at least some 4th line ice time to see what he can do against teams that are known for their physical play.
Kaleta is still very young and still can develop his offensive game in Rochester, but I think it is worth the ice time to let him at least make a case for belonging with the big club.
Let us not forget his refusal to back down against Ottawa during the infamous brawl game last year. After taking a cheap slash from Danny Heatley before the face off leading to the brawl, he did not shy away from any of the scrums that occurred in the following minutes.
Also, with all the offensive talent that still remains despite losing the captains, he stands to learn a lot by playing with the older guys and can jump start his offensive production.
In the end, the Sabres need to concentrate on areas where they came up short last year, namely physical play. With the losses of Grier, Pyatt, Zubrus, and Drury, they need others like Gaustad to step up and they need to find new sources, if free agency is not in the plan.
Kaleta has the guts and the toughness and given some time to workout in the bigs, he can turn into a physical force who can help fill in the gaps on a team that is mainly smaller and fast. It's time to at least give the local boy a chance.
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