Nathan Gerbe, right, scored twice and assisted on his team's other two goals in Boston College's 4-1 win over Notre Dame in the Frozen Four championship game. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Having silenced his critics by dominating the competition in college, Nathan Gerbe has decided it's time to try his hand at hockey's highest level.

The 5-foot-5 forward signed a three-year deal potentially worth $2.55 million US with the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, electing to forgo his senior season at Boston College.

"I couldn't thank Boston College enough, but this opportunity came up and I didn't want to turn it down," said Gerbe, who will make an NHL rookie maximum $850,000 per season if he plays all three seasons with the Sabres. "I'm very excited to take this step and very proud."

A fifth-round pick by Buffalo in the 2005 NHL draft, the 160-pound Michigan native overcame questions about his lack of size by leading the NCAA with 68 points (35 goals, 33 assists) in 43 games for Boston College last season. Those numbers earned him a nomination for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the top collegiate player in the U.S.

Gerbe completed his NCAA career with a flourish, earning Most Outstanding Player honours at the Frozen Four after scoring eight points (five goals, three assists) in two contests, including two goals and two assists in the Eagles 4-1 win over Notre Dame in the championship game.

Gerbe represented the U.S. at the world junior hockey championship in 2006 and 2007, and practised last month with the American national team as it prepared for the world championships in Halifax and Quebec City.

With files from the Associated Press