Kaleta is our future

[SabresMB3]

Im not sure if many of you agree with me but the guy can easily change a game. He can move and control the puck, make game changing hits, and needs to be a permanant fixture in this lineup. If everyone on our team had the heart that he does wed be a cup contender. We need his physical play and his ability to crash the net. If we added a top 4 d-man and a guy who can consistantly put the puck in the net I think this team is stable enough to be back where we were a year ago

[Papaduke]

This team is just plain better with him in the lineup.

[coryjd]

If I were to buy a sweater, right now, at this very moment - his is the only one I would buy.

[bduff54]

love the kid, but he is not the future

[Carl J. Ironsides]

love the kid, but he is not the future

He'll be a great part of it.

Certainly the likes of Miller, Pominville, Roy and Vanek, among others, are more important.

[Sabres244]

love the kid, but he is not the future

You love him? How so?

I sure hope you don't love playing against him.

[Norwoodsrevenge]

I thought the DiPietro contract was nuts but I would give him those years for sure.

[Carl J. Ironsides]

I thought the DiPietro contract was nuts but I would give him those years for sure.

You'd really give a fourth-line agitator a 15-year contract?

[TheAnswer74]

You'd really give a fourth-line agitator a 15-year contract?

15 years 15 million

[GoBillsTom]

Is he more of an Avery or a Barnaby? Either way, great player to have on the team but not the future.

And the way he plays, I bet he gets banged up.

[Thumper]

Is he more of an Avery or a Barnaby? Either way, great player to have on the team but not the future.

And the way he plays, I bet he gets banged up.

He hits better than Avery and Barnaby could have ever dreamed. He definitely gets under the skin of opponents like Barnaby did. But Barnaby would do it with his antics and personality, where Kaleta just uses brute ****ing force. I like the brute ****ing force way better.

[NFLABILLS]

Im not sure if many of you agree with me but the guy can easily change a game. He can move and control the puck, make game changing hits, and needs to be a permanant fixture in this lineup. If everyone on our team had the heart that he does wed be a cup contender. We need his physical play and his ability to crash the net. If we added a top 4 d-man and a guy who can consistantly put the puck in the net I think this team is stable enough to be back where we were a year ago

I love the guy. The Sabres have needed a guy like Kaleta for a long time. The guy the other team loves to hate! OUR guy that the other team loves to hate!

[Blofan4life]

I love the guy but don't like the way Lindy plays him. He will get a constant shift in the first period, then in the second he will get like shift like every 5 minutes but in the third he is all but gone. He needs to be on a constant line getting a constant shift no matter what time of the game. If he got like 13-15 minutes a game he would get more points and the Sabres would be a much tougher and stronger team.

[Norwoodsrevenge]

You'd really give a fourth-line agitator a 15-year contract?
This guy draws more penalties than anyone I have ever seen. World class players spend the evening seeking revenge (i.e. Staal) and he's a local boy to boot. If the price is agreeable 15 years seems about right.

[Carl J. Ironsides]

This guy draws more penalties than anyone I have ever seen. World class players spend the evening seeking revenge (i.e. Staal) and he's a local boy to boot. If the price is agreeable 15 years seems about right.

Well, he's signed for two more years at a total of $1 million, so there's no need to rush anything right now.

[mikgaes]

He hits better than Avery and Barnaby could have ever dreamed. He definitely gets under the skin of opponents like Barnaby did. But Barnaby would do it with his antics and personality, where Kaleta just uses brute ****ing force. I like the brute ****ing force way better.

You never watched Barnaby play as a Sabre if you make such statements.

[stevesy]

If everyone on our team had the heart that he does wed be a cup contender.

I like your post except for this one part. I'd be hesitant to knock the heart of any of the players on this team.

It's easy to see Kaleta's "heart" because that's the way he's supposed to play. Energetic, annoying, like a bee that won't go away. Other players have to be more responsible, reserved, and aware on the ice.

[wagoncircler]

Guys like Kaleta are contagious.

When the Sabres were exceeding expectations for the last few years, it's because they were not only outskating, but outhitting most of the teams they played.

They were relentless.

Somewhere along the line, the hitting part of their game faded, and so did our position in the standings.

We are apparently always going to be a young, building team that loses veterans year after year because we can't compete financially for them.

If this is to be the case, the only way we'll see winning hockey is if every player has an attitude like Kaleta's. It's a must.

How great is it that he's from Buffalo? Speaking from my own observations and preferences, this town has always loved hard workers like Danny Gare, Mike Foligno, Mike Peca, Pat LaFontaine, Chris Drury....

It seems to me that those are the players that Kaleta grew up emulating.

To see a kid who is literally one of ours play like these guys is about as good as it gets.

[Thumper]

You never watched Barnaby play as a Sabre if you make such statements.

Barnaby would yap at someone until they punched him in the face. Don't tell me what I've watched. What....because Barnaby dropped the gloves means that his physical play was the main reason for his role? Maybe you have a shitty memory. Kaleta is feared because of his bone crushing body checks. Opponents hate him for that reason. No one wants to be on the ice when he's out there, because there's a 1 in 5 chance you're going to get ran through the boards. Barnaby was hated because of his personality. Yeah, he fought any one, any time, but he wasn't feared for anything other than giving the Sabres a powerplay. He had an amazing knack for pissing guys off. And, he had a pretty good knack for getting on the score sheet. I loved Barnaby's game. He threw hits but those hits didn't do serious damage very often. But he and Kaleta are hated for completely different reasons, while playing the same type of roll. And like I said, I like the brute ****ing force way better. Groan me again for it.

[ddpderek]

Barnaby could hit and grind to he was a very good forechecker and he could back up his antics as he was a great fighter.

[deconstruction]

This guy is a great hitter, and should remain that way. He doesn't need to be an instigator, he needs to be our Scott Stevens.

[Scary Good]

Oh my god. Worst thread of the yeaaaaaaaaaaaar.

He is our future? And Miller, Vanek, Stafford and Paille are what?

Let's give Kaleta 100 mil and the key to the city

:rofl:

[PG 13]

Kaleta is the future?

We're really reaching here. Just because he's physical on a finesse team and he's a WNY native does not make him a valuable player.

He's been much better than I thought her would be, and he looks like he can be a decent 4th line player, but you guys are all drinking the Kool Aid if you think he has anything to do with our team success.

We're 16-16 with him in the lineup. He's plays 6 minutes a game, which is only higher than Peters.

He's a bit player that this team can easily live without.

[Thumper]

Kaleta is the future?

We're really reaching here. Just because he's physical on a finesse team and he's a WNY native does not make him a valuable player.

He's been much better than I thought her would be, and he looks like he can be a decent 4th line player, but you guys are all drinking the Kool Aid if you think he has anything to do with our team success.

We're 16-16 with him in the lineup. He's plays 6 minutes a game, which is only higher than Peters.

He's a bit player that this team can easily live without.

You've been watching these games like have and you still can't say that he's does more good than bad for this teams success? Really?

[pigpen65]

I think Kaleta will make the team right out of the gate next year, and has the potential to be with the Sabres all the way until he becomes a UFA, which means he should have a good 5-6 years with the Sabres.

[Thumper]

Oh my god. Worst thread of the yeaaaaaaaaaaaar.

He is our future? And Miller, Vanek, Stafford and Paille are what?

Let's give Kaleta 100 mil and the key to the city

:rofl:

Kaleta is part of the future of this team. No doubt. He'll be a fixture on the 4th line for as long as Vanek's here, perhaps longer. He's never going to want to leave the team he grew up rooting for. As long as he does his job, there's no reason for anyone to think he won't be in this teams future. If you disagree, that's great. But tell us why he won't be in this teams future then.

[PG 13]

You've been watching these games like have and you still can't say that he's does more good than bad for this teams success? Really?

Sure he does more good, but every player does more good than bad (besides Peters) or else they wouldn't be in the lineup.

But the point is Kaleta is a bit player, and is not as valuable as you guys make him out to be. Our team has had some our worst games with him in the lineup. I'm not blaming him for it. But where is all this valuable energy that he provides when the team slept through that PIT game?

[Sabres244]

Kaleta is the future?

We're really reaching here. Just because he's physical on a finesse team and he's a WNY native does not make him a valuable player.

He's been much better than I thought her would be, and he looks like he can be a decent 4th line player, but you guys are all drinking the Kool Aid if you think he has anything to do with our team success.

We're 16-16 with him in the lineup. He's plays 6 minutes a game, which is only higher than Peters.

He's a bit player that this team can easily live without.

Still spewing this crap, perhaps you and SG should make an anti-Kaleta group.

Is he the future? No. Is he as bad as you thought he was and say he is? No.

Man get over it, people know he's not gonna score 30 goals a season, but he's a like able guy and much better than what you think he is, so just stfu already, all you ever are is ****en negative.

[PG 13]

Kaleta is part of the future of this team. No doubt. He'll be a fixture on the 4th line for as long as Vanek's here, perhaps longer. He's never going to want to leave the team he grew up rooting for. As long as he does his job, there's no reason for anything to think he won't be in this teams future. If you disagree, that's great. But tell us why he won't be in this teams future then.

I respect your knowledge, Thump, but I think you're reaching here. His job clearly has little do with with the team success.

Kaleta was just scratched like 5 games ago. He the last man on the roster along with Peters playing 6 minutes a game. I just don't see Ruff putting a high value on him. With more than likely all the forwards coming back next year, and a few additions through FA's, young players, there's a very good chance he's not playing here next year.

[PG 13]

Still spewing this crap, perhaps you and SG should make an anti-Kaleta group.

Is he the future? No. Is he as bad as you thought he was and say he is? No.

Man get over it, people know he's not gonna score 30 goals a season, but he's a like able guy and much better than what you think he is, so just stfu already, all you ever are is ****en negative.


Not negative, just honest and direct. The only Sabre players I bag on all the time are Gaustad and Kaleta. The play a hard working physical game on a finesse team in a blue collar city. Fans overvalue them as important or good players when both are average to below average.

Just doing my part to educate the uneducated.

[Thumper]

Sure he does more good, but every player does more good than bad (besides Peters) or else they wouldn't be in the lineup.
Come on, man. Spacek did more bad than good last year, and the Sabres had the best season in franchise history. He was able to turn it around, thankfully. Kalinin has done more bad than good for nearly his entire Sabres career. Just because guys play on the team doesn't mean they always do more bad than good.
But the point is Kaleta is a bit player, and is not as valuable as you guys make him out to be. Our team has had some our worst games with him in the lineup. I'm not blaming him for it. But where is all this valuable energy that he provides when the team slept through that PIT game?
The guy hasn't even played half an NHL season yet in his career. He's played in some of the Captainless Sabres worst games as a wet behind the ears 1st year rookie. Now he's starting to create offense with his game...He pumping in a few goals...Setting up his linemates for scoring chances. He's not just looking to send guys through the glass anymore. Basically, he's already becoming a more complete hockey player, and really, he should get a bit better as he gets older, right? Could he score 10 goals a year? Maybe...But it wouldn't be necessary if he keeps playing the way he is. If the Sabres powerplay could take advantage of his valuable energy more often than it has, this team would be generously above .500 with Kaleta in the line up.

[pigpen65]

Not negative, just honest and direct. The only Sabre players I bag on all the time are Gaustad and Kaleta. The play a hard working physical game on a finesse team in a blue collar city. Fans overvalue them as important or good players when both are average to below average.



Gaustad is playing on the top line. Kaleta is playing ahead of MacArthur. Ruff obviously values both.

[buffalofan19]

I respect your knowledge, Thump, but I think you're reaching here. His job clearly has little do with with the team success.

Kaleta was just scratched like 5 games ago. He the last man on the roster along with Peters playing 6 minutes a game. I just don't see Ruff putting a high value on him. With more than likely all the forwards coming back next year, and a few additions through FA's, young players, there's a very good chance he's not playing here next year.

Kaleta will be here next year. Is he an integral part of the future that the Sabres can not do without? No. But they like what they see out of him, and he has been effective in his agitator role. Keep in mind, also, that Kaleta's limited (note I said limited, not nonexistent) offensive skills will make him a very inexpensive player. I doubt he will ever cost over $1 million a year throughout his career. That's another factor that the Sabres will keep in mind when deciding to keep him long term, along with the fan popularity, homegrown boy, etc.

[JMNY83]

Anybody who argues that Kaleta has not been great for this team is a f@#king moron.

[PG 13]

Anybody who argues that Kaleta has not been great for this team is a f@#king moron.

We're 16-16 with him in the lineup. How is that great?

Maybe you're the f@#king moron..

[Thumper]

I respect your knowledge, Thump, but I think you're reaching here. His job clearly has little do with with the team success.

Kaleta was just scratched like 5 games ago. He the last man on the roster along with Peters playing 6 minutes a game. I just don't see Ruff putting a high value on him. With more than likely all the forwards coming back next year, and a few additions through FA's, young players, there's a very good chance he's not playing here next year.

Ruff was still scratching Campbell the year before he became an NHL All-Star. Even you can't put a lot of stock in that. Lindy scratched a rookie 4th liner with less than 40 games experience? So that automatically means he's not important? Lindy's been scratching Paille here and there...He's not important to the present and future?

I strongly disagree that Kaleta won't be here, playing for the Sabres for the bulk of the season next year. I don't see many, if any, forwards being added to the roster...only subtracted. I see defenseman being added to the roster via trade and free agency. If a forward or two are added to next years roster, they won't be 4th line bangers. I'd put real money on Kaleta playing for the Sabres for the bulk of next season on the 4th line. He's earned his keep in my mind. I think Ruff is just keeping him in check, like he does with all of his young players.

[Sabres244]

We're 16-16 with him in the lineup. How is that great?

Maybe you're the f@#king moron..

Yup our 16-16 record is all because of Kaleta, you know it all man.

[Sabres244]

Seriously PG 13 all you did was preach how Kaleta can't skate and he's a liability on the ice. It's all bullshit.

In 32 games Kaleta has 1 giveaway. Real liability there.

3 goals 2 assists and he's a +2.

Let's not forget the 97 hits he has. Or the penalties he draws that have led to goals.

Fact is Kaleta does more good than bad for this team no matter what you think.

[wagoncircler]

We're 16-16 with him in the lineup. How is that great?

Maybe you're the f@#king moron..

16-16 with a Junior hockey Defense.

Maybe you like to f@#k morons.

[PG 13]

Come on, man. Spacek did more bad than good last year, and the Sabres had the best season in franchise history. He was able to turn it around, thankfully. Kalinin has done more bad than good for nearly his entire Sabres career. Just because guys play on the team doesn't mean they always do more bad than good.

The guy hasn't even played half an NHL season yet in his career. He's played in some of the Captainless Sabres worst games as a wet behind the ears 1st year rookie. Now he's starting to create offense with his game...He pumping in a few goals...Setting up his linemates for scoring chances. He's not just looking to send guys through the glass anymore. Basically, he's already becoming a more complete hockey player, and really, he should get a bit better as he gets older, right? Could he score 10 goals a year? Maybe...But it wouldn't be necessary if he keeps playing the way he is. If the Sabres powerplay could take advantage of his valuable energy more often than it has, this team would be generously above .500 with Kaleta in the line up.

Funny, but I assure you Kalinin has done more good than bad in his career.

And I'm not saying he 100% doesn't have a future in the NHL. But when I see things like "Kaleta is our future" and "Kaleta has been great for this team" it just proves my point that people are giving him way too much credit.

If there was an expansion draft after the season and we could protect 20 players in the organization, would Kaleta be one of them? Not a chance. He's not a top 20 player in this organization, but he's our future? Please..

[PG 13]

Seriously PG 13 all you did was preach how Kaleta can't skate and he's a liability on the ice. It's all bullshit.

In 32 games Kaleta has 1 giveaway. Real liability there.

3 goals 2 assists and he's a +2.

Let's not forget the 97 hits he has. Or the penalties he draws that have led to goals.

Fact is Kaleta does more good than bad for this team no matter what you think.

Fact is I never said Kaleta didn't do more good than bad.

I gave him credit for being a decent 4th line player.

I said he was a bit player that had little do with the teams success.

[PG 13]

16-16 with a Junior hockey Defense.

Maybe you like to f@#k morons.

Have we had junior hockey defense all year? No.

Our defense went south after the Campbell trade due to his absence and injuries. We were 11-12 with Kaleta before the Campbell trade.

So I guess I did just f@#k a moron, and take a guess who it is?

[Scary Good]

If he gets some more hockey skill, maybe he's a future 3rd liner.

[wagoncircler]

Have we had junior hockey defense all year? No.

Our defense went south after the Campbell trade due to his absence and injuries. We were 11-12 with Kaleta before the Campbell trade.

So I guess I did just f@#k a moron, and take a guess who it is?


Are there 32 games in a year?

The short bus must be bumpy. Good thing you wear that hockey helmet to school.

Which moron did you ****?

I don't know, your little brother?

[PG 13]

Are there 32 games in a year?

The short bus must be bumpy. Good thing you wear that hockey helmet to school.

Which moron did you ****?

I don't know, your little brother?

Really? That's the best you could come up with?

Short bus jokes and a useless point about 32 games that makes no sense?

Please do us all a favor and try again. And try to make at least one decent point this time and feel free to come up with some better "mean" remarks...

[itsMILLERTIME30]

I'm a big fan of Kaleta, but I certainly don't think he "is the future." Maybe if you re-worded that to say, "Kaleta has a future on this team," meaning, he already made his case for next season and won't be in Rochester any more... But saying he is the future is going a little too far. Players like Paille are the future of this team, Kaleta's just a future 3rd/4th liner.

[Ralonzo]

Kaleta's upside is as a very effective 4th line/energy line player.

If 4th lines/energy lines had no bearing on a team's success, nobody would have them.

[Carl J. Ironsides]

Have we had junior hockey defense all year? No.

Totally disagree. This defense has been crap since last season; it was never fixed.

[skoorah720]

The kid has earned a spot on the roster. All he needs to do is fine-tune some of his skills and he'll be an even bigger component of this team. He's still really young, but he has some great upside. He's got the heart...and I'll take that kind of player any day of the week.

[SHINEdown30]

Roy,Vanek,Miller,Poms are the future. Kaleta just fits in nicely.

[ricogarion]

He is a piece of the puzzle and most kids would be happy to say that,especiaslly this young man from Angola.

[BuffaloSoldier2]

Is there anyone else who comes close to filling Katela's role on the team? Other guys (Mair, Goose) attempted to be checkers. But they are really feared. Katela destroys people.

IMO, one of the biggest losses in FA was Mike Grier. He was the only guy who really scared defenses of getting hit. Hitting can change games. D-men look over their shoulder if they know a banger in on the ice. That can force turnovers. And right now, Katela is an even better hitter than Grier.

He definitely needs to be here long term. And forget that he's from here. All I know is that every team and their fans hate him. If that's the case, then you know you got a player.