I've thought this (and said it a few times over the past few months) - it seems like Patty K is just about useless. Sure, he can keep up with the NHL pace, but his talent isn't there, and I don't think he's quite the instigator he used to be, and hasn't been delivering those booming hits that we kind of expected. With guys like Foligno and McNabb, do we still need him? Would you miss him?

I wouldn't. The team doesn't seem as good when he's in the lineup.

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He does have speed and value on the PK, but his (semi-unfair) reputation and the way the league is cracking down on borderline hits has taken much out of Kaleta's game. He wasn't delivering the big hits as much because he was getting called on ones that weren't even bad. What worries me more is that he keeps getting hurt. It would be nice to keep him as a 4th line RW but with being kinda singled out by refs, his health, and Tropp seemingly a good option on the 4th line, I don't see Kaleta as a necessary re-sign this summer.

I hope to either sign a UFA RW or trade for a RW (Roy for Brown maybe), move Tropp down and probably make Kaleta expendable.

He was great two years ago. Then he broke stuff and he doesn't hit like he used to. He plays timid and I think a spot on our line would be better served to a more well rounded hitter like Foligno

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I'm sure it has a little to do with his injuries but majority of it is how tight the call his game. There were several hits that weren't close to bad or even borderline that he was called for. If Kaleta Lucic'd Thomas instead of the other way around he would have been given games for it.

He's still a pain in the ass but definitely doesn't draw as many penalties as in the past. If he works on his game in the off season, I would still like to keep him as long as it's a decent price.

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He'll resign for under a million just because of depth and our limited cap space I say.

He could once again deliver some big hits for us.

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im not sure he ever served a purpose.

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He doesn't play the kind of game he needs to play with consistency. That's his biggest issue. The way he played against Boston when he fought Lucic... that was great. But you rarely see that from him anymore.

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Wheelhouse

no

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Check out my website: http://www.artistzero.com

"That wasn't very nice...I do believe you killed my hat."

Driver of the FIRE LINDY RUFF Bandwagon since 2008.

Wow, you guys are all over the place, but I'm going to look at it objectively. What purpose DO YOU FEEL HE SHOULD SERVE? I think he's VERY valuable as a 4th line energy player. If that's the role Darcy has for him, then great. If you want him to be a 3rd line player(either as shut-down or 3rd offense), he's not valuable. I think he's capable as a 3rd line fill in on limited duty, but his injury history is an issue. If they feel he is healthy, I want him back. He's a Sabre, and that's what you want on your 4th line. If this club had a 'spot' for A. Peters, it certainly has a spot for Pat Kaleta. I won't even comment on shahanfucks part in this.

He isn't an NHL caliber player.

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I like Pat, but I feel with his injury history and the tight leash he has on, he may need to move on or take on a discount salary to stick around.

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"...they came down into the stands and asked if I knew how to do play by play. I said...No. But. I'll take a shot at it if you want".- Rick Jeanneret

kaleta can go. and take gerbe with him. he doesnt score, and hes not overly gritty. just because he "plays hard" doesnt mean he helps the team win.

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It was surprising that people actually thought he was going to score 30 goals in a season.

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"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

Wow, really? Am I reading correctly in believing that you place no value on Gerbe? I look at him and I see a team player with heart & guts. Not every one is a "team player" in the truest sense of the word. I'd rather have Gerbe than some "more talented", less driven skater. I tend to put more value on a decent player with good skills who leaves it all on the table, every night.

If you bring hard work, but it doesn't show up on the score sheet, is it really worth it for Gerbe or the team?

I love the guy's hard work, and he has another season to change my opinion, but he's here to score. That's why Buffalo re-signed him. If he can't score, then his hard work doesn't mean a damn thing.

I also think Kaleta does serve a purpose, but only to the extent of a fourth line player. He's great defensively, and is one of Buffalo's best penalty killers.

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Girgensons for captain. Team Keep Nick DesLauriers forever.

@TJLuckman550

Those are fair points (defense and PK), but he's also slow. I think we could do better, but that's just speculation (I don't have names of other options).

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I LOL at people who want Kaleta gone, but also post in the other thread about wanting 'more snarl'.

Kaleta is a pest. He's an agitator. Great to have if you can keep them cheap.

He's an RFA that will be kept around for somewhere in the neighborhood of $1M a year. That's perfectly fine for what he provides.

I didn't post in that thread...I don't think snarl is the problem. Snarl is a result of a team playing a "whole" game, and actually being a TEAM. Anybody can play big when they've got confidence.

I don't think Kaleta's thriving in his role as a pest any more. Not only that, but his attempts at agitation have cost us a lot in recent memory.

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Wasn't specifically directing that at you.

Call me late for dinner.

lol, ok

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