Ales Kotalik

[gregkash]

i know a lot of people are still mad at him for the giveaway but he's very quietly picked up his third 20 goal season in 4 or 5 years.

 

I think he's a bargain player for his production.

[Rico7]

i know a lot of people are still mad at him for the giveaway but he's very quietly picked up his third 20 goal season in 4 or 5 years.

 

I think he's a bargain player for his production.

 

I agree, but it's that potential for so much more that gets fans frustrated so often.

[gregkash]

I agree, but it's that potential for so much more that gets fans frustrated so often.

 

 

i think he's capable of a thirty goal season, but i dont see him being a thirty goal scorer consistnatly, i think he's a he is what he is type player.

[SabresFan526]

I for one like Kotalik. But the problem he consistently has is, every time he gets a goal or scores, he does something equally as negative creating a goal for the other team. For example tonight, he scored a good goal on the PP. But then he makes a terrible defensive zone lapse and doesn't come back down low (which is what he should be doing as the center for that line) and cover Ian White on the deflection goal. In addition to that, he has a tendency to disappear in games. He frequently loses interest. He's got a big body and uses it, but he does not give 100% every shift. If he can give 100% every shift, he can become a serious power forward. But, he's not consistent enough and that's his problem.

[Claude Balls]

I for one like Kotalik. But the problem he consistently has is, every time he gets a goal or scores, he does something equally as negative creating a goal for the other team. For example tonight, he scored a good goal on the PP. But then he makes a terrible defensive zone lapse and doesn't come back down low (which is what he should be doing as the center for that line) and cover Ian White on the deflection goal. In addition to that, he has a tendency to disappear in games. He frequently loses interest. He's got a big body and uses it, but he does not give 100% every shift. If he can give 100% every shift, he can become a serious power forward. But, he's not consistent enough and that's his problem.

Like he said. I would add that he probably is close to being the best, if not the best shooter on the team, especially from inside the circles. He has a vicious wrister. He's our best shootout guy too. Between him and Max I would keep Ales.

[R_Dudley]

IMHO we need to keep him because he will be a bargain and we know how much our managment values those and he still has the upside and can change the game.....

[awill29]

Kotalik could be a superstar in the league. He's got a huge frame, a great shot, and decent hands. Problem is, he's a streaky scorer who never throws his weight around. I'd keep him at his current cap hit (I think it's ~2.25/yr?), but anything more than that is overpaying.

[inkman]

Marrying yourself to a guy like Devendorf is begging for disaster.

[deluca67]

i know a lot of people are still mad at him for the giveaway but he's very quietly picked up his third 20 goal season in 4 or 5 years.

 

I think he's a bargain player for his production.

I bring this up every time he gets tossed on a 'who must go' list or the cries for JP Dumont begin again. I like Kotalik, especially at his price. I would like the Sabres to lock him up long term at maybe $3 to $3.5 a year.

[tom webster]

I bring this up every time he gets tossed on a 'who must go' list or the cries for JP Dumont begin again. I like Kotalik, especially at his price. I would like the Sabres to lock him up long term at maybe $3 to $3.5 a year.

 

If you believe that Vanek, Roy , Stafford, Hecht, Pomminstein, Bernier, Gaustad and Paille are the core of the future, where does Kotalik fit in? He is a bargain at his current rate, but there is no way you pay a forward that at best is your 8th most valuable forward in the 3 to 3.5 range. And this doesn't take intop account the desire of a lot of fans, myself included, to add a #2 center icemen.

Paying a third liner that kind of money is a recipe for disaster.

[repster]

I like Kotalik's shot and some of his physical play along the boards. I just hope the Sabres put him in a power skating course this summer. I look at him as one of the slowest skaters on the team. His giveaways and penalties can be maddening at times, but I agree with most posters about keeping him at a half decent price.

 

Everyone notice how no one is up in arms about Kalinin's unrestricted free agent status? Not even the guys on the radio are talking about it. I say see you later to him. He may have tons of talent but if you have had a lack of confidence for as long as he has, it's time to go. For some reason, I feel the same way I do about him as I did about Richard Smehlick (spelling?). Too fragile between the ears.

[inkman]

Paying a third liner that kind of money is a recipe for disaster.

He's under contract next year, so lets worry about it come next years trade deadline.