Bob Probert was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played as a left winger in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 16 seasons. He was known for his physicality and fighting skills on the ice, earning him the reputation as one of the toughest players in NHL history.
Probert began his career with the Detroit Red Wings in 1985, where he quickly established himself as a tough enforcer. He played for the Red Wings for nine seasons, during which he became a fan favorite and a feared opponent on the ice. Probert's physicality and fighting skills earned him a total of 3,300 penalty minutes during his career, the fifth-highest in NHL history.
In 1994, Probert was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he continued to play as an enforcer and a physical presence on the ice. He played for the Blackhawks for five seasons before being traded to the Anaheim Ducks in 1998. Probert played for the Ducks for one season before returning to the Red Wings for his final season in the NHL in 2002.
Throughout his career, Probert was involved in numerous on-ice altercations and fights, earning him a reputation as one of the toughest players in the league. However, he was also a skilled player, scoring a total of 163 goals and 221 assists during his career.
Off the ice, Probert struggled with addiction issues, including alcohol and drug abuse. He was arrested multiple times for drug possession and was suspended by the NHL for the 1994-1995 season due to his substance abuse issues. Probert sought treatment for his addiction and was able to overcome his struggles, becoming an advocate for addiction recovery and helping others who were struggling with similar issues.
Probert passed away in 2010 at the age of 45 due to heart failure. He was remembered by his teammates and fans as a tough and skilled player on the ice, as well as a kind and generous person off the ice. Probert's legacy as one of the toughest players in NHL history continues to be celebrated by hockey fans around the world.
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