Ales Kotalik, a Czech professional ice hockey player, spent a considerable portion of his career in the National Hockey League (NHL), where he played as a right winger. Born on December 23, 1978, in Jindřichův Hradec, Czechoslovakia, Kotalik began his professional career in the Czech Extraliga with HC České Budějovice. His performance in the Czech league caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the Buffalo Sabres in the sixth round, 164th overall, of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
Kotalik made his NHL debut with the Buffalo Sabres during the 2001-2002 season. Known for his powerful shot and offensive skills, he quickly became a valuable player for the team. In the 2002-2003 season, he played 68 games and scored 21 goals, demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively. His performance helped solidify his position on the team, and he continued to be a regular presence on the Sabres' roster.
Throughout his time with the Sabres, Kotalik was known for his proficiency in shootouts, a skill that became increasingly important after the NHL introduced the shootout to decide games tied after overtime. His ability to score in these high-pressure situations made him a reliable option for the Sabres in shootouts.
Kotalik's tenure with the Sabres lasted until the 2008-2009 season when he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers. His time with the Oilers was brief, as he played only 19 games with the team before becoming a free agent at the end of the season. In the summer of 2009, Kotalik signed a three-year contract with the New York Rangers, where he continued to showcase his offensive abilities.
However, his stint with the Rangers was short-lived. In February 2010, Kotalik was traded to the Calgary Flames. He played parts of two seasons with the Flames, but his performance did not meet expectations, leading to his assignment to the Flames' AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Heat, for a portion of the 2010-2011 season.
Following his time in the NHL, Kotalik returned to the Czech Republic to continue his professional career. He rejoined HC České Budějovice, the team where he began his career, and played in the Czech Extraliga. Kotalik's return to his home country marked the end of his NHL career, but he continued to play professionally in Europe for several more years.
Throughout his NHL career, Ales Kotalik played in over 500 games, scoring more than 130 goals and adding numerous assists.
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