The Buffalo Sabres have resigned minor league forward Derek Whitmore (5’11” 185 lbs.) to a 1-year deal. The versatile 25-year old forward is coming off the best season of his pro career with 18 goals and 34 points in 78 games.
The Rochester native has improved steadily over his career in Bowling Green, Rochester and now Portland. He also led all Pirates players in their short playoff run with 3 points in 4 games. Whitmore has also steadily improved his physical game as he battles down low and forechecks hard.
He has likely been signed for veteran leadership down in Portland although if an early season winger is needed Whitmore could see some time with Buffalo. Whitmore was a restricted free agent and has 30 goals and 57 points in 163 career pros games.