“Nathan has had success on the NHL level and should compete for a job with the Hurricanes during training camp,” said Francis.

Gerbe, 26, netted five goals and added five assists (10 points) in 42 games for the Buffalo Sabres in 2012-13. The Oxford, MI, native was also one for two in the shootout, with one game-deciding tally, and averaged 12:30 of ice time per game in his fifth NHL season. Selected by the Sabres in the fifth round, 142nd overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Gerbe (5’5”, 178 lbs.) has totaled 29 goals and 43 assists (72 points) in 188 career NHL games, all with Buffalo. He has appeared in nine Stanley Cup playoff games for the Sabres, earning four points (3g, 1a). Gerbe was honored with the Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award as the AHL’s most outstanding rookie in 2009, after netting 30 goals and adding 26 assists (56 points) in 57 games during his first professional season.

Prior to turning professional, Gerbe completed three seasons at Boston College, where he led the nation in goals (35) and points (68) during his junior season. He was named USA Hockey’s National College Player of the Year, a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award and earned Most Outstanding Player at the Frozen Four after scoring eight points (5g, 3a) in two games to lead the Eagles to the 2008 NCAA championship. A product of the United States National Team Development Program, Gerbe has represented the United States in a number of international competitions including the 2004 and 2005 World Under-18 Championships and the 2006 and 2007 World Junior Championships.