Music: {allcanada} Flames put underachieving winger Kotalik on waivers

Friday, January 28, 2011

{allcanada} Flames put underachieving winger Kotalik on waivers

Yes, Ales Kotalik (notes) is on waivers.

The Calgary Flames' right-winger is exposed to every team in the National Hockey League. Meaning that anyone could latch onto him.

But it's hard to imagine there will be any takers for Kotalik, who's in the middle season of a three-year deal that pays him $3 million annually.

Nor does this necessarily mean he's bound for the Abbotsford Heat of the American Hockey League.

Brian Rolston (notes), remember, was placed on waivers by the New Jersey Devils. The veteran forward cleared. And he's still there.

Kotalik's 24-hour waiver period ends today.

What happens now is anyone's guess. Maybe nothing.

What is not a matter of debate is Kotalik's raging ineffectiveness - three points, minus-eight, in 20 appearances.

Despite his undeniable offensive skills and booming slapshot - clocked at 105 miles per hour at the team's recent skills competition - it's difficult to envision a scenario in which the 32-year-old becomes a regular, particularly with the Flames playing so well these days.

Stay tuned.