It’s been discussed at length, but the Predators finally signed someone that can play on the top line.
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-partner=”tweetdeck”><p>BREAKING NEWS: <a href=”https://twitter.com/PredsNHL”>@PredsNHL</a> sign forward Mike Ribiero to a one-year contract. Read more – <a href=”http://t.co/gJUOTzHsNr”>http://t.co/gJUOTzHsNr</a>.</p>— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) <a href=”https://twitter.com/PredsNHL/statuses/489070716105809920″>July 15, 2014</a></blockquote>
This is going to be an extremely interesting signing, given Ribeiro’s recent buyout and attitude problems. But for the length and cost, this is a low risk, high reward deal for the Preds.
From the Predators press release:
Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed free-agent forward Mike Ribeiro to a one-year, $1.05 million contract.
“Mike is a talented veteran center who has produced offensively everywhere he has played,” Poile said. “We have done our due diligence and believe Mike has a lot to offer to our team, improves us at our center ice position and will fit in with our group and contribute.”
Ribeiro, 34 (2/10/80), has amassed 656 points (202g-454a) in 865 career NHL games since the 1999-2000 season with Montreal, Dallas (with James Neal and Eric Nystrom), Washington and Phoenix. In 2013-14, the 6-0, 179-pound center registered 47 points (16g-31a) and he is just one season removed from producing at a point-per-game clip with Washington, posting 49 points (13g-36a) in 48 games in 2012-13.
Since the 2003-04 campaign – his first full NHL season – Ribeiro has played the 10th-most games of any NHL forward, averaging 62 points a season and posting the eighth-highest assist total (431). An NHL All-Star in 2007-08 when he set career highs in goals (27), assists (56) and points (83), Ribeiro has missed just 10 games his last four seasons.
Montreal’s second selection, 45th overall (second round), in the 1998 Entry Draft, Ribeiro enjoyed a decorated QMJHL career with Rouyn Noranda and Quebec from 1997-2000, being named league rookie of the year and recipient of the Paul Dumont Trophy as personality of the year in 1998, and winning the Jean Beliveau Trophy as the league’s top point producer the following campaign after amassing 167 points (67g-100a) in 69 games. He also helped Canada to a bronze medal at the 2000 World Junior Championship.
More to come…