Predators' gamble on Mike Ribeiro pays off

The one-year, $1.05 million contract that Predators general manager David Poile offered center Mike Ribeiro in July was a low-risk move.

A messy divorce from the Coyotes in June — Arizona general manager Don Maloney cited "real behavioral issues we felt we could not tolerate going forward" in buying out Ribeiro's four-year contract — left the continuation of the 35-year-old's career in doubt.

Nashville believed that Ribeiro could overcome his personal issues and still be productive. He was, scoring 62 points as the Predators' first-line center.

"I felt great," Ribeiro said. "I was actually happy to come to work and not be depressed. I think the boys in the room helped, too. They were really supportive. To have a chance like (the Predators) gave me, I think I took it and I didn't want to disappoint them. I have a lot of respect for David and for the coaching staff. I just wanted to do the right thing. I happened to have a good season. Obviously I wanted to go farther, but I think it's a good step."

Ribeiro led Nashville with 47 assists and was the team's best possession player with a 57.07 shot-attempt percentage. The Predators took 343 more shot attempts than the opposition when Ribeiro was on the ice, the fifth-highest total in the NHL and a testament to his ability to facilitate offense.

"I'm just proud of him for everything he's done and battled through both on and off the ice," said Predators forward James Neal, who has played with Ribeiro in Nashville and Dallas. "He really turned everything around and was really good for our team."

Ribeiro and linemate Filip Forsberg were Nashville's first 60-point scorers in six seasons and the first pair of Predators players to reach that mark in seven seasons.

"It was exactly what the doctor ordered," Poile said. "(He brought) a dimension that I don't think we had. (If) we don't have Mike Ribeiro, it's going to be hard making the playoffs because he generated so much offense. How would have Filip Forsberg done without him? ... I thought he played just terrific for us."

Ribeiro said last week that he "would love to be back" with the Predators next season. His redemptive season puts him in a more beneficial situation than last year, when he basically recruited himself to Nashville hoping that Poile would be convinced to take a chance on him.

Now that the risk has apparently paid off, the two sides will work to extend the relationship.

"I believe he and his family are very happy here," Poile said. "Hopefully it's a marriage that wants to continue here in Nashville."

Reach Adam Vingan at 615-259-8023 and on Twitter @AdamVingan