Mike Weber (Photo: Getty Images)

Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier announced today the Sabres have assigned defenseman Mike Weber to Portland of the American Hockey League.

Regier also announced that forward Paul Gaustad has been placed on the Injured Reserve list following surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb on September 30.

The two moves leave the Sabres with a 23-man roster heading into Friday’s season opener vs. Montreal.

Weber played in five of Buffalo’s seven preseason contests, finishing with 31 PIMs and a +1 rating.

Buffalo’s second-round choice (57th overall) in the 2006 Entry Draft, Weber recorded three points (0+3) in 16 games with Buffalo during two recalls last season.

Tickets for all 2008-09 home games are now on sale and available for purchase at www.sabres.com, all tickets.com outlets, or by calling 1-888-223-6000. For more information call 1-888-Go-Sabres.