Nathan Gerbe is hanging them up.
After 13 seasons in professional hockey, Gerbe’s playing days are officially over, with the diminutive winger officially joining the Nashville Predators’ hockey operations department as a forwards development coach.
The role seems perfectly suited for him. If anyone knows how to make the most of their opportunities at hockey’s highest level, it’s Gerbe.
The Michigan native was selected in the fifth round of the 2005 NHL draft by the Buffalo Sabres, measuring in at just 5’4 during a time when size was one of the most sought after traits by front offices. Despite his slight frame, however, Gerbe managed to carve a role for himself in the NHL regardless, debuting with the Sabres in 2009-10 and proceeding to play 188 games with the organization over the next five seasons.
In total, Gerbe will now end his career with 435 career NHL games under his belt, having spent time with the Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, and Columbus Blue Jackets at various stops on his journey.
Most recently, Gerbe became a fixture on the Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate while also bouncing up to the big club if ever needed. In 108 games with the Cleveland Monsters, Gerbe racked up an impressive 26 goals and 59 assists for 85 points while serving as a mentor to the organization’s emerging young prospects.
Now transitioning into a coaching role, Gerbe hopes to parlay the knowledge that helped him carve out a lengthy career against all odds onto the Predators’ forwards in order for them to do the same.
