Sabres GM Regier believes Kaleta can change

BUFFALO -- Buffalo Sabres general manager Darcy Regier discussed his reasons for placing forward Patrick Kaleta on waivers Saturday, the same day he was eligible to return after serving a 10-game suspension for delivering a head shot to Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson.

"I think there is a significant amount of work that he will have to do to redesign his game in order to give him an opportunity to play," Regier said. "When we talked about it internally, if it was with us, it had to take place in [AHL] Rochester."

Kaleta, a sixth-round pick by the Sabres (No. 176) at the 2004 NHL Draft, is in his eighth season with the Sabres. The suspension was the fourth in his career and his second in the past calendar year.

"In fairness to him, he has made some changes," Regier said. "I think the changes that are going faster are at the League level, and the League is really making a serious attempt to focus on concussions."

Regier said he attempted to trade Kaleta rather than waive him, but found no interest in him. He said Kaleta took the news of being waived professionally, but hopes he takes the demotion as an opportunity to improve his game.

"I have no question about his ability to do that," Regier said. "I really do believe he can change."

Kaleta was held without a point in five games for the Sabres this season.