Choose Your Arbitrated Winger: Patrick Kaleta Or Tim Kennedy?

by Rafal Ladysz on Jul 20, 2010 1:58 PM EDT

Awaiting their arbitration dates, Patrick Kaleta and Tim Kennedy will discover their worth from a judge at the end of July. Then, the Buffalo Sabres will take their salaries into consideration and decide on obtaining or releasing the two restricted free agents. Both of them are 24-years-old, but Kaleta holds the upper hand in importance as he's been in the league longer and earned his stay.

While Kennedy scored ten goals, his teammate did the same in 23 fewer matches and engaged in physical activities daily. Although he displayed a relaxing feeling in the postseason, Kennedy is just entering his sophomore year - a pressure-filled segment that has claimed countless sufferers. Coming as a packaged deal with a loose cannon hitter, Kaleta's injuries are a major concern, but his overall game has grown greatly from 2007 when he played only seven games in Buffalo.

As a fan favorite, most supporters will gladly want general manager Darcy Regier to hold onto Kaleta. There's a lot to like and dislike about Kennedy's first professional campaign, however, the final monetary announcement regarding his payment will likely assist making up most peoples' minds.

Before you decide which player is more valuable to the Buffalo Sabres, have a gander at Kaleta's and Kennedy's report cards from last year.

Poll

Whose arbitration settlement is more crucial to the Buffalo Sabres?

Patrick Kaleta's

304 votes

Tim Kennedy's

72 votes

Evenly important

147 votes

523 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 11 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

I voted that they are evenly important, but for different reasons. I think Kaleta brings toughness and scoring ability to the Sabres while Kennedy, although a bit undersized, possesses some of those intangible qualities that surfaced during the playoffs. He seems to be able to sense where the puck is going to be and uses his speed and agility to get himself there. I think he will continue to improve this year and within a couple more years become a gamer.

by Geolover on Jul 20, 2010 3:08 PM EDT reply actions

What Surfaced in the Playoffs? His ability to get waxed by a 40 year old in the corner? Good job on being positive for once.. lol

"The three important elements of hockey are: forecheck, backcheck and paycheck." - Gil Perreault

by FloridaBuffalo on Jul 20, 2010 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Even Ovechkin gets waxed from time to time.

by Geolover on Jul 20, 2010 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions

In the playoffs...

…Ovechkin gets waxed ALL the time. He is rapidly becoming one of hockey’s most legendary choke artists.

"I could have conquered Europe, all of it, but I had women in my life." - King Henry II of England

by Calvert on Jul 20, 2010 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Im torn, Kaleta led the league in a category, but Tim Kennedy is the only thing stopping drew stafford from being the top-line winger…

On the Mike Weber bandwagon.
Tyler Ennis: Freed from Portland!

by Ubiquitous on Jul 20, 2010 3:32 PM EDT reply actions

Walking away from either of them sends a really bad message to the young guys in Portland. Both have their purpose. Neither of them are very big and are going to injury issues throughout their careers. I wouldn’t break the bank for either of them, but they are local guys playing for their favorite team as kids. You don’t see any locals playing in Florida or Phoenix.

by danabob on Jul 20, 2010 6:38 PM EDT reply actions

First off, Since the Sabres took Kaleta to arbitration they can not walk away from the arbitrator’s decision. As for Kennedy, they’ll most likely sign him before the hearing to a multi-year deal. Hopefully for no more than $1.5 Mil/Yr, that way after next season the Sabres will have him at a bargain.

by Guido1983 on Jul 20, 2010 9:31 PM EDT reply actions

The Sabres will keep both but to me it feels that players like Tim Kennedy are a dime a dozen. Third or fourth line player that we could probably replace with someone from Portland.

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by Zachary Zielonka on Jul 20, 2010 9:32 PM EDT reply actions

I’d be surprised if they let either guy walk away. Before FA started, I was concerned another team might poach one of the two. Signing both of these guys shouldn’t cost more than 3 million combined. For what they bring to the team, I think that’s good value.

by krytime on Jul 20, 2010 10:02 PM EDT reply actions

I would also have to side with Kaleta, although I do also agree that I see Darcy keeping both. The Sabres need Kaleta, it’s long been a criticism that Buffalo is “too soft” of a team, and he is one of those players that will (and do) help reverse that notion. Kaleta’s physical game is something the Sabres definitely need to keep around.

by steveRbu on Jul 21, 2010 12:00 AM EDT reply actions