BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) – The Buffalo Sabres returned center Nathan Gerbe to the Portland Pirates of the AHL on Friday.

Gerbe had one assist in six games for Buffalo after being recalled from Portland on Dec. 6, making his NHL debut later that night in Tampa Bay. He had missed the last six games after injuring his upper body at New Jersey on Dec. 13.

Buffalo’s fifth-round draft pick in 2005, Gerbe signed a three-year deal potentially worth $2.55 million in May after he led Boston College to the national title.

The 5-foot-5 forward tied an NCAA tournament record with seven goals. He led the nation in scoring with 68 points (35 goals, 33 assists) in 43 games.