The Red Wings waived left wing Bob Probert on Wednesday, saying it was fed up with his off-ice problems and lack of commitment.
“We were not able to get Bob Probert to make the off-ice commitment that you need to be an NHL player,” Red Wings senior vice president Jimmy Devellano said. “You have to work out during the off-season, you have to live clean and you have to have commitment.”
Probert was a restricted free agent after last season, meaning the Red Wings had the right to match any offer made by another team or to receive compensation from the team that signed him. Wednesday’s move means the Wings will receive no compensation.
The latest trouble for Probert, 29, occurred July 15 when his motorcycle collided with a car near Detroit.
The day before the motorcycle accident, Probert was ticketed for speeding and driving without a license. He has had numerous other traffic infractions.
Probert also served three months in a federal prison after he was convicted in July 1989 of trying to bring cocaine into the United States from Canada. He was ordered not to drink while on probation, which ended in February 1993. Last season, teammates said he was drinking again.
