Report: Preds’ Mike Ribeiro to retire after substance abuse relapse

The long and winding road of former NHL star Mike Ribeiro has taken across the continent playing for the Montreal Canadiens, Dallas Stars, Washington Capitals, Phoenix Coyotes and Nashville Predators during his 15 year career. Now, according to a report from the player’s agent Bob Perno, Ribeiro’s career is over thanks to a relapse into drugs and alcohol. 

“All I know is that Mike hasn’t laced up the skates once since the end of the season,” said Perno to French language publication La Presse. “He doesn’t train anymore and he doesn’t go on the ice. He’s going to retire. There’s not one NHL team or a team in Europe that has reached out to me to ask about him.”

Even more troubling is the fact that neither Perno nor Ribeiro’s friends and family have managed to get in touch with the 37-year-old former NHL All-Star. “No one knows what he’s up to these days. The problem, is that Mike doesn’t believe he’s sick. In his head, everything is fine. Every time my phone rings, I hope it’s him calling me.”

Perno shared the details of Ribeiro’s addiction and attempted recovery before falling into a relapse with drugs and alcohol late last year. For a full account of the story, be sure to listen to the harrowing tale in Perno’s interview with TSN 690’s Tony Marinaro below: