When training camp opened in Buffalo 12 days ago, left winger Ales Kotalik
didn't sound at all interested in playing for the Rochester Americans if he
didn't earn an NHL job.
Thus, his decision not to report to the Amerks for
practice on Tuesday was hardly shocking.
Kotalik, a native of the Czech Republic, apparently is pursuing playing
options in Europe instead of calling Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester Community
War Memorial his
hockey home
for the 2011-12 season.
Buffalo Sabres general manager Darcy Regier was in
Rochester on Tuesday along with director of scouting Kevin Devine to watch
practice. Regier said Kotalik was still in Buffalo and that both parties are
trying to decide what's best.
He called the process "a collaborative effort."
Translation: Kotalik doesn't want to play in the American Hockey League if
there is no NHL carrot to chase, and the Sabres wouldn't mind peddling some or
all his $3 million salary to someone else.
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