BUFFALO, N.Y. - Forward Nathan Gerbe has signed a three-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres, electing to forgo his senior year at Boston College.
The five-foot-five Gerbe overcame questions about his lack of size by leading the U.S. with 68 points (35 goals and 33 assists) in 43 games last season. He also played a key role helping Boston College win the NCAA title last month, scoring five goals and three assists over two games.
Gerbe, a 20-year-old from Oxford, Mich., will make an NHL rookie maximum US$850,000 per season if he plays all three seasons with the Sabres. Buffalo selected the Hobey Baker Award finalist in the fifth round (No. 142 overall) of the 2005 NHL entry draft.