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‘Canes sign ex-Sabres forward Gerbe: one year, $550,000

Nathan Gerbe

This Sept. 20, 2011 photo shows Buffalo Sabres’ Nathan Gerbe, left, talking with Tyler Ennis, right, during NHL hockey practice in Buffalo, N.Y. Terry Pegula doesn’t know or frankly care how much he’s spent on buying the Buffalo Sabres or adding salary with an objective to turn the team into a bona fide contender. (AP Photo/David Duprey)

AP

The Carolina Hurricanes have made an interesting free agent pickup, signing former Buffalo forward Nathan Gerbe to a one-year, two-way deal worth $550,000.

“Nathan has had success on the NHL level and should compete for a job with the Hurricanes during training camp,” said ‘Canes VP of Hockey Operations Ron Francis.

Gerbe — who, at 5-foot-5, is the NHL’s shortest player — spent his entire five-year career in Buffalo before receiving a buyout (regular, not compliance) in early June.

The 25-year-old had struggled with health issues over the last few years. He began this season on injured reserve after undergoing back/neck surgery during the lockout and, when activated, failed to make much of an impact offensively, scoring just 5G-5A-10PTS in 42 games.

Gerbe’s best season came in 2010-11, when he scored a career-high 16 goals and 31 points, finishing fifth on the team in goals.

The former Boston College standout should have a decent shot of cracking the ‘Canes roster next season. Carolina currently has just 11 forwards under contract for next season though a 12th, first-round draft pick Elias Lindholm, has signed his entry-level deal and is expected to play at the NHL level right away.