Maine Hockey Journal has learned that Portland Pirates forward Derek Whitmore has been re-signed by the Buffalo Sabres to a one-year deal.

Whitmore, 25, will give the Pirates a key mid-range player on the wing, which has the ability to play physical and put up 30 points.

At 5-11, 185-pounds, Whitmore scored career-highs in goals (18), assists (16) and points (34) in 78 games with the Pirates last season.

The Rochester, NY native spent four years at Bowling Green before being signed as an undrafted player by the Sabres to a two-year entry-level contract.

In 163 AHL games with Portland and Rochester, Whitmore has scored 30 goals, 27 assists for 57 points.