Kaleta's 10-game ban upheld
Commissioner Gary Bettman upheld the 10-game suspension that assessed to Buffalo Sabres forward Patrick Kaleta for an illegal check to the head of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson, the NHL announced Thursday.
Kaleta's appeal of the original decision, assessed Oct. 15, was heard on in New York on Monday.
Kaleta, viewed as a repeat offender by the league, received a 10-game suspension for the hit, which occurred Oct. 10.
He already sat out the first two games of the ban, which will cost him $152,439 in salary.
The first-period hit on Johnson did not result in a penalty during the game.
Kaleta will be eligible to return to the Sabres' lineup for a Nov. 2 home game against the Anaheim Ducks.
In March, Kaleta received a five-game suspension for boarding New York Rangers forward Brad Richards.
