Patrick Kaleta suspension: Will sit 10 games for hit on Jack Johnson

The NHL has suspended Buffalo Sabres forward Patrick Kaleta 10 games for hitting Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson.

By Adam Gretz Oct 15, 2013, 7:00pm EDT

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The NHL announced on Tuesday evening that Buffalo Sabres forward Patrick Kaleta has been suspended 10 games for his hit on Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson last Thursday.

Kaleta had an in-person hearing with the NHL on Tuesday that gave the league the power to suspend him for more than five games. He has already served two of the 10 games and will be eligible to return to the Buffalo lineup on Oct. 31 against the New York Rangers.

As a result of the suspension Kaleta will forfeit $152,439 in salary.

Here is Brendan Shanahan explaining the decision to suspend Kaleta for 10 games

This isn't the first time Kaleta has had a run-in with the league, having previously been suspended five games for hitting Brad Rangers in March 2013 and four games for head butting Jakub Voracek in 2011.

In five games this season Kaleta has not recorded a point for the Sabres and is coming off a 2012-13 season that saw him record just one goal and zero assists in 34 games.