Michael Tavares Ribeiro (born February 10, 1980) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). Ribeiro is of Portuguese ancestry.
Playing career
Ribeiro, who is a centre, was drafted 45th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2nd round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. On September 30, 2006, the Canadiens traded Ribeiro and a 6th round draft pick in 2008 to the Dallas Stars in exchange for Janne Niinimaa and a 5th round draft pick in 2007.[1]
In the 2006–07 season, he led the Dallas Stars in points scoring with 59 points. On July 12, the Stars signed Ribeiro to a one-year $2.8 million contract for the 2007–08 season.[2]
On January 7, 2008, Ribeiro and the Stars agreed to a new five-year, $25 million contract extension. Ribeiro went on to establish career highs in goals (27), assists (56) and points (83) that season and earned his first NHL All-Star game appearance.
Although often critiqued for his lack of toughness, the 2008–09 season also saw Ribeiro breakout in the shootout, particularly with highlight reel performances in games against the Los Angeles Kings and the Colorado Avalanche.
On June 22, 2012, during the 2012 NHL Draft, Ribeiro was traded to the Washington Capitals for Cody Eakin and a 2012 2nd-round draft pick (54th overall).[3]
[edit]Personal life
Mike has three children (Mikael, Noah and Viktoria) with his ex-wife Tamara whom he just remarried. He is of Portuguese descent.[4]
[edit]Awards
- 1997–98 QMJHL All-Rookie Team
- 1997–98 QMJHL Second All-Star Team
- 1997–98 QMJHL Michel Bergeron Trophy
- 1998–99 QMJHL First All-Star Team
- 1998–99 QMJHL Jean Beliveau Trophy
- 1998–99 CHL First All-Star Team
- 1998–99 CHL Leading Scorer
- 2001–02 NHL YoungStars Game
- 2007–08 NHL All-Star