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Nathan Gerbe

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Nathan Gerbe
Gerbe with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2013
Born (1987-07-24) July 24, 1987 (age 37)
Oxford, Michigan, U.S.
Height 5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
Weight 176 lb (80 kg; 12 st 8 lb)
Position Center
Shot Left
Played for Buffalo Sabres
Carolina Hurricanes
Genève-Servette HC
Columbus Blue Jackets
NHL draft 142nd overall, 2005
Buffalo Sabres
Playing career 2008–2021

Nathan David Gerbe (born July 24, 1987) is an American former professional ice hockey player. Selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round (142nd overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Gerbe played for the Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets during his National Hockey League (NHL) career. At 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) tall, Gerbe is the shortest skater in NHL history, and the second shortest player in NHL history behind goaltender Roy Worters.

Playing career

[edit]

Amateur

[edit]
Gerbe in April 2008

As a youth, Gerbe played in the 2001 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Detroit Honeybaked minor ice hockey team.[1]

Gerbe played for the Boston College Eagles of the Hockey East conference in the NCAA, and was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL) with the 142nd pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.[2]

In the 2008 Frozen Four, he scored five goals in the final two games, leading his team to the championship, and was named the tournament's most outstanding player.[3] He was also a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in the 2007–08 season.[4]

Professional

[edit]

On May 6, 2008, Gerbe signed his first professional contract, a three-year, entry-level with the Buffalo Sabres.[5] During his tenure with the Sabres, he was referred to as a "Tasmanian Devil," a reference to his smaller size, but rough style of play.[6] In an interview, Gerbe revealed that he idolized NHL player Martin St. Louis who was also known for his small size and on-ice ability.[7] He was assigned to American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate to start the 2008–09 season,[8] but after the Sabres slumped early, on December 6, 2008, he was recalled by the team,[9] playing in his first NHL regular season game, a 4–3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.[10] On December 13, Gerbe recorded his first NHL point against the New Jersey Devils by assisting a Drew Stafford goal.[11] Gerbe was returned to the Sabres AHL affiliate, the Portland Pirates, after six games.[12] He was named to the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic, but could not play due to injury.[13][14] He was awarded the Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award for rookie of the year in the 2008–09 season of the AHL and finished with 30 goals and 56 points in 57 games.[15] He was also named to the AHL All-Rookie Team.[16]

Despite having a good training camp[17] Gerbe was assigned to Portland to start the 2009–10 season.[18] He scored his first career NHL goal on December 9, 2009, against the Washington Capitals.[19] On December 30, it was announced that Gerbe had been named to the 2010 AHL All-Star Classic.[20] He was recalled on March 28, 2010. After registering a goal and three points in eight games, on April 17, Gerbe was sent back to Portland to help the AHL team in their playoff run.[21] On April 26, he scored his first NHL postseason goal in a 4–3 loss to the Boston Bruins, which eliminated the Sabres from the playoffs.[22]

Gerbe with the Buffalo Sabres in 2012

Gerbe broke through as a regular for Sabres in the 2010–11 season, playing on the third and fourth lines.[23] On January 21, 2011, he scored two goals in five seconds against the New York Islanders, setting a franchise record for the fastest two goals by one player.[24] He scored the only two goals in a 2–0 win over the Montreal Canadiens on March 22.[25] Gerbe finished the season playing in 64 games, scoring 16 goals and 31 points.

On June 29, 2011, Gerbe re-signed with the Buffalo Sabres to a three-year deal worth $1.42 million per season, avoiding salary arbitration.[23] Gerbe's season was interrupted the following year by a hit from Marc-André Bourdon of the Philadelphia Flyers on December 8, where Gerbe was driven head-first into the boards.[26] This caused him to miss time and he eventually required spinal surgery during the summer.[27]

Upon completion of the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season, Gerbe was placed on waivers by the Sabres on July 3, 2013, with the intention of buying out the remainder of his contract.[28] A free agent, Gerbe later agreed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on July 26.[29] On June 24, 2014, Nathan Gerbe re-signed with the Hurricanes on a two-year, one-way contract.[30]

On July 1, 2016, having left the Hurricanes as a free agent, Gerbe signed a one-year deal with the New York Rangers.[31] However, Gerbe did not make the Rangers roster out of training camp and was sent down to the Rangers' AHL team, the Hartford Wolf Pack.[32] When Gerbe refused to report to the Wolf Pack, the Rangers placed him on unconditional waivers for release in order to terminate his contract.[33]

On October 14, 2016, Gerbe agreed to a three-year contract with Switzerland's Genève-Servette HC of the National League A (NLA).[34] Gerbe made his NLA debut on October 21, on home-ice against HC Ambrì-Piotta. He scored his first NLA goal on October 29, on home-ice against HC Lugano in a 5–0 win. He finished his first season with 28 points (11 goals) in 26 games, before adding two assists in four playoffs games. Gerbe appeared in 13 regular season games with Genève-Servette HC in the 2017–18 season, scoring five points (one goal), before being taken out of the lineup as a healthy scratch. After an injury sustained during a team practice, Gerbe was put on the trade block by the team.[35][36] He went on to play an additional six games, before being released on January 20, 2018, in order to get rid of his remaining SFr 1.3 million salary. In his playing time with Genève-Servette HC, he put up 35 points (13 goals) in 45 games, over two seasons.[37]

On January 24, 2018, it was announced that the Columbus Blue Jackets signed Gerbe to a one-year, two-way contract for the rest of the 2017–18 season.[38] After clearing waivers, Gerbe was assigned to the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL.[39] However, after Markus Nutivaara was placed on injured reserve, Gerbe was called up to the NHL on February 21.[40] He was reassigned to the Monsters a few days later on February 26, after recording no points in two games.[41] In adding to the depth within the Blue Jackets organization, Gerbe agreed to a two-year, two-way contract extension on March 15.[42]

Before the 2018–19 season, the Monsters named Gerbe team captain after going without one the previous season.[43]

After 13 professional seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), Gerbe announced his retirement on September 14, 2022. The same day he also announced he had joined the Nashville Predators organization as the club's forward development coach. [44]

Career statistics

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Regular season and playoffs

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Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2002–03 River City Lancers USHL 25 3 3 6 49 7 1 1 2 2
2003–04 U.S. NTDP U17 USDP 32 14 12 26 66 — — — — —
2003–04 U.S. NTDP U18 NAHL 26 11 7 18 87 — — — — —
2004–05 U.S. NTDP U18 USDP 26 6 11 17 48 — — — — —
2004–05 U.S. NTDP U18 NAHL 12 7 5 12 25 — — — — —
2005–06 Boston College HE 39 11 7 18 75 — — — — —
2006–07 Boston College HE 41 25 22 47 76 — — — — —
2007–08 Boston College HE 43 35 33 68 65 — — — — —
2008–09 Portland Pirates AHL 57 30 26 56 63 5 0 0 0 4
2008–09 Buffalo Sabres NHL 10 0 1 1 4 — — — — —
2009–10 Portland Pirates AHL 44 11 27 38 46 4 1 1 2 4
2009–10 Buffalo Sabres NHL 10 2 3 5 4 2 1 1 2 0
2010–11 Buffalo Sabres NHL 64 16 15 31 34 7 2 0 2 18
2011–12 Buffalo Sabres NHL 62 6 19 25 32 — — — — —
2012–13 Buffalo Sabres NHL 42 5 5 10 14 — — — — —
2013–14 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 81 16 15 31 36 — — — — —
2014–15 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 78 10 18 28 34 — — — — —
2015–16 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 47 3 4 7 14 — — — — —
2016–17 Genève–Servette HC NLA 26 11 17 28 22 4 0 2 2 2
2017–18 Genève–Servette HC NL 19 2 5 7 85 — — — — —
2017–18 Cleveland Monsters AHL 24 4 14 18 16 — — — — —
2017–18 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 2 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
2018–19 Cleveland Monsters AHL 41 10 22 32 69 — — — — —
2019–20 Cleveland Monsters AHL 30 8 17 25 22 — — — — —
2019–20 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 30 4 6 10 22 2 0 0 0 0
2020–21 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 9 1 2 3 2 — — — — —
2020–21 Cleveland Monsters AHL 13 4 6 10 36 — — — — —
NHL totals 435 63 88 151 196 11 3 1 4 18

International

[edit]
Medal record
Representing  United States
Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2007 Mora
IIHF U18 Championships
Gold medal – first place 2005 České Budějovice
Silver medal – second place 2004 Minsk
Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2004 United States U17 4th 5 5 5 10 4
2004 United States WJC18 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 6 0 2 2 20
2005 United States WJC18 1st place, gold medalist(s) 6 4 4 8 14
2006 United States WJC 4th 7 0 0 0 6
2007 United States WJC 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) 7 0 6 6 2
Junior totals 31 9 17 26 46

Awards and honors

[edit]
Award Year
College
All-Hockey East Second Team 2006–07
All-NCAA All-Tournament Team 2007, 2008 [45]
All-Hockey East First Team 2007–08
AHCA East First-Team All-American 2007–08
Hockey East All-Tournament Team 2008 [46]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA" (PDF). Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  2. ^ "Gerbe retires, joins Predators organization". TSN. September 14, 2022. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  3. ^ Chambers, Mike (April 13, 2008). "Boston College wins title". The Denver Post. Retrieved May 6, 2008.
  4. ^ Marrapese-Burrell, Nancy; Matson, Barbara (April 12, 2008). "Porter, not Gerbe, wins Hobey Baker". The Boston Globe. Retrieved May 6, 2008.
  5. ^ "Sabres sign Boston College forward Nathan Gerbe to 3-year deal". The Canadian Press. May 6, 2008. Archived from the original on May 13, 2008. Retrieved May 6, 2008.
  6. ^ Harrington, Mike (April 15, 2011). "Flyers stay evasive on injured Pronger's status". The Buffalo News. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  7. ^ Lomon, Chris (November 23, 2011). "Small in Stature, Not in Desire". National Hockey League Players' Association. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  8. ^ "Sabres prospects Gerbe, Kennedy to start season at Portland". ESPN. Associated Press. October 3, 2008. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  9. ^ "Sabres Call Up Rookie". The New York Times. Associated Press. December 7, 2008. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  10. ^ "Game Boxscore - Sabres 4–3 Lightning 6 Dec, 2008". ESPN. December 7, 2008. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  11. ^ "Vanek adds two more to NHL-leading goal total as Sabres clip Devils". ESPN. Associated Press. December 13, 2008. Retrieved September 9, 2023.[dead link]
  12. ^ Gleason, Bucky (January 3, 2009). "Gerbe heads to Portland for playing time". The Buffalo News. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  13. ^ "2009 PlanetUSA AHL All-Star team announced". American Hockey League. January 7, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  14. ^ "Five added to rosters for 2009 AHL All-Star Classic". American Hockey League. January 23, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  15. ^ "AHL Rookie of the Year Gerbe to answer fan questions". American Hockey League. April 20, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  16. ^ "2008-09 AHL All-Rookie Team announced". American Hockey League. April 1, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  17. ^ Hoppe, Bill (October 1, 2009). "Gerbe, Kennedy, Myers make strong impressions at camp". Olean Times Herald. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  18. ^ "Sabres Assign Gerbe And Weber To Portland" (Press release). Portland Pirates. September 30, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2023 – via oursportscentral.com.
  19. ^ "Miller's 16th career shutout saves Sabres vs. Capitals". ESPN. Associated Press. December 10, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2023.[dead link]
  20. ^ "Weber And Gerbe Named To PlanetUSA AHL All-Stars" (Press release). Portland Pirates. December 30, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2023 – via oursportscentral.com.
  21. ^ "Gerbe sent back to AHL for playoffs". ESPN. Associated Press. April 17, 2010. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  22. ^ "Bruins earn East semifinals bid after Vanek's return not enough for Sabres". ESPN. Associated Press. April 27, 2010. Retrieved September 9, 2023.[dead link]
  23. ^ a b Yerdon, Joe (June 29, 2011). "Sabres sign Nathan Gerbe to three-year, $4.3 million contract and avoid arbitration". NBC Sports. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  24. ^ "Michael Grabner, rookie goalies key Islanders' victory". ESPN. January 21, 2011. Retrieved October 21, 2023.[dead link]
  25. ^ "Gerbe scores two, Miller gets shutout as Sabres top Habs, 2-0". The Hamilton Spectator. The Canadian Press. March 22, 2011. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  26. ^ "Giroux scores OT winner in Flyers' win". Sportsnet. Associated Press. December 8, 2011. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  27. ^ Wyshynski, Greg (October 12, 2013). "Nathan Gerbe's Carolina comeback fueled by personal tragedy". Puck Daddy. Retrieved September 11, 2023 – via Yahoo! Sports.
  28. ^ "Agent: Sabres inform F Nathan Gerbe they intend to buy out final year of contract". National Hockey League. July 3, 2013. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  29. ^ "Hurricanes sign Gerbe to one-year, two-way contract". TSN. July 26, 2013. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
  30. ^ "Canes Agree to Terms with Nathan Gerbe". Carolina Hurricanes. June 24, 2014. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
  31. ^ "Rangers agree to terms with Nathan Gerbe". New York Rangers. July 1, 2016. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  32. ^ "Rangers' Nathan Gerbe: Waived for AHL reassignment". CBS Sports. October 7, 2016. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  33. ^ Fortunato, Joe (October 11, 2016). "Nathan Gerbe Refuses To Report To Hartford; Contract Will Be Terminated". Blueshirt Banter. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  34. ^ "Nathan Gerbe signs three-year contract with Genève-Servette HC". Swiss Hockey News. October 14, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
  35. ^ "Genève-Servette HC's American Nathan Gerbe injured". Swiss Hockey News. October 12, 2017. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  36. ^ "Due to financial problems - Genève-Servette HC offering three players on the market". www.swisshockeynews.ch. November 26, 2017. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  37. ^ "Nathan Gerbe leaves GSHC" (in French). Genève-Servette HC. January 20, 2018. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
  38. ^ "Columbus Blue Jackets sign Nathan Gerbe". NHL.com. Columbus, Ohio. January 24, 2018. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
  39. ^ "Columbus Blue Jackets activate Atkinson, assign Gerbe to Monsters". NHL.com. Columbus, OH: Columbus Blue Jackets. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  40. ^ "Columbus Blue Jackets place Nutivaara on IR, recall Gerbe". NHL.com. Columbus Blue Jackets. February 21, 2018. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
  41. ^ "Blue Jackets assign Nathan Gerbe to Monsters". NHL.com. February 26, 2018. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  42. ^ "Blue Jackets extend Nathan Gerbe on two-year deal". Columbus Blue Jackets. March 15, 2018. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  43. ^ "Monsters Taking Lead from the Captain this Season". clevelandmonsters.com. November 13, 2018. Retrieved December 19, 2018.
  44. ^ "Gerbe retires, joins Predators organization". tsn.ca. September 14, 2022. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
  45. ^ "NCAA Frozen Four Records" (PDF). NCAA.org. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
  46. ^ "2013-14 Hockey East Media Guide". Hockey East. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
[edit]
Awards and achievements
Preceded by NCAA Ice Hockey Scoring Champion
2007–08 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Brock Bradford
 William Flynn Tournament Most Valuable Player
2008 		Succeeded by
Preceded by NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player
2008 		Succeeded by
Preceded by AHL Rookie of the Year
2008–09 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nathan_Gerbe&oldid=1235761336"