Old instincts and habits are hard to break. Dan Bylsma is learning that the hard way now that he’s the head coach of Patrick Kaleta and the Buffalo Sabres. While Kaleta is battling for a spot on the roster, Bylsma is fighting the urge to kill him after years of opposing the forward.
Bylsma’s comments, via the Buffalo News:
“I have a hard time not wanting to kill him. I’ve told him that. I let him know, ‘I’m trying to like you. I’m trying to put it behind me.
That’s jokingly aside, but he still does inspire that in me when I see him. “You look at him and he smiles, he’s got the shield. You’re like, ‘Yeah, I’m supposed to like him. I’m supposed to like him.’”
Considering the history Kaleta has against Eastern Conference teams, it’s no wonder Bylsma developed some ill feelings. Meanwhile, Kaleta has an uphill battle in front of him. Bylsma may have been joking with his comments, but Kaleta really needs to show something in training camp to win a spot.
In 42 games with the Sabres last season, Kaleta tallied just three assists. His veteran experience could be useful on the team, but the Sabres have a pretty full roster and they can’t afford to fill a position with limited offensive skills.
