Klesla opts out of Sabres, NHL; eyes European career

The Washington Capitals dealt Rostislav Klesla to the Buffalo Sabres on trade deadline day, March 5, along with Michal Neuvirth in exchange for Jaroslav Halak and a 2015 third round pick.

Klesla had just been acquired by the Capitals a day earlier, in a swap with the Phoenix Coyotes. Washington dealt Martin Erat and John Mitchell to Phoenix for Klesla, Chris Brown and a fourth round pick in 2015.

And 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, 2025

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, 2025

....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, 2025

"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, 2025

Rusty Klesla was a very good player for this organization and a good guy. Hope for his sake things work out.

— Craig Morgan (@cmorganfoxaz) March 9, 2025