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Patrick Kaleta will try out at Sabres camp, signs AHL contract

Patrick Kaleta will try out at Sabres camp, signs AHL contract

Patrick Kaleta has only played for one franchise during his nine-year NHL career, one that’s been filled with nefarious cheap shots, multiple suspensions and ridiculing opposing players about their painful divorces.

Some figured that might change as Kaleta is an unrestricted free agent, and the Buffalo Sabres showed little appetite in bringing him back. But when Sabres camp opens this month, Kaleta will be there on a professional tryout contract; and if he fails to make the big roster, he’ll have a home in the AHL.

From the Sabres:

The Rochester Americans announced today that the team has signed forward Patrick Kaleta to a one-year American Hockey League contract. Kaleta will attend Buffalo Sabres Training Camp on a professional tryout (PTO).

Kaleta, 29, appeared in 42 games with the Buffalo Sabres last season, recording three assists and 36 penalty minutes. A native of Buffalo, Kaleta has registered 54 points (27+27) and 542 penalty minutes in 348 career games with the Sabres over parts of nine seasons (2006-07 to 2014-15). He has also recorded five points (2+3) in 12 NHL playoff games with the Sabres. In 2009-10, he collected career-highs in goals (10) and points (15) in 55 games.

Kaleta recently told WKBW in Buffalo that he hoped to play under new coach Dan Bylsma.

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"My plan right now is just to have a plan A and that's to be with the Buffalo Sabre," said Kaleta. "I look at it as if you don't have a plan B, you're committed to plan A and that's my job right now."

Oh, completely. You have to have a Plan A. You can’t go into it without a Plan A, or else there’s just an empty space where Plan A should be; a “Plan A hole,” as it might pertain to Kaleta.

Obviously having Kaleta in camp will be a boon for the young Sabres. What lessons they’ll learn from this sage veteran! “Hey, Jack, let Uncle Pat tell you about the time he punched himself in the face during a fight …”

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