NEW YORK -- Buffalo Sabres forward Patrick Kaleta has been suspended for 10 games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson during NHL Game No. 49 in Buffalo on Thursday, October 10, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.

Kaleta is considered a repeat offender under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, will forfeit $152,439.00. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

The incident occurred at 3:10 of the first period. No penalty was assessed for the hit.

Kaleta already has served two games of this suspension while awaiting an in-person hearing that was convened this afternoon.

For a full explanation of the Department of Player Safety's decision, complete with video, please click on the following link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=60&id=459704.