Report: Sabres D Rostislav Klesla leaving NHL
TSN reporter Darren Dreger tweeted a series of quotes attributed to recently acquired Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rostislav Klesla suggesting that Klesla's days in the NHL are over - for now.
Klesla: ""With all due respect to the Sabres organization, I decided this week not to continue playing hockey this season"...
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 9, 2014
Klesla: "It has been a tough year for injury and moving several times to new teams. I will now take some time off...
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 9, 2014
....and get ready to continue my career in Europe. I would like to thank my fans and all the people that have helped me.".....
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 9, 2014
"I am grateful for the career I have had in the NHL and all the people that I have met along the way who have supported me and my family...
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 9, 2014
Klesla, 31, appeared in only 25 games this season after being limited by injuries. He was demoted to the AHL in January and has not played an NHL game since Jan. 14.
Klesla was drafted fourth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2000 and was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes during the 2010-11 season. The Coyotes sent him to the Washington Capitals at the trade deadline on Wednesday, but the Capitals immediately flipped him to Buffalo in a subsequent deal.
Klesla leaves the NHL with 159 points in 659 career games.