Buffalo Sabres forward Patrick Kaleta out one month

Oct 10, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Patrick Kaleta (36) in play during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at First Niagara Center. Blue Jackets beat the Sabres 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Patrick Kaleta (36) in play during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at First Niagara Center. Blue Jackets beat the Sabres 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patrick Kaleta will have to wait another month at least to show the Sabres that he’s changed enough to warrant a permanent roster spot. After taking a Morgan Rielly slap shot to the jaw, Kaleta can at least take solace in knowing things could be much worse.

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“Kaleta is not as serious as we thought but it’s still serious,” head coach Ted Nolan told The Buffalo News. “Instead of maybe being a three-month thing, it could be down to less than a month so we’re very thankful for that.”

Kaleta has not appeared in an NHL game since the beginning of last season. He tore his ACL last November with the Rochester Americans and was looking forward to bouncing back with the pro club. Now his season will be put on hold, but not on the back burner, per Nolan.

"“His effort, his commitment and what he did in offseason to get back to where he is right now is enough for me to see how much character this young man has and how much he really wants to be a Buffalo Sabre.”"

After multiple suspensions, this was supposed to be a make-or-break season for Kaleta, but now it appears that Sabres will hold off judgement until they see the pesky forward play. If all goes well, that shouldn’t be too long of a wait.

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