Bob was brought into the NHL in the 1983 entry draft, he was 46th overall. He played his first NHL game, with Detroit, on November 11, 1985. He scored his first point on an assist on December 15, 1985, against Chicago. His first goal would follow six days later, also against Chicago. Bob set his career highs during the 1987-88 season, with Detroit. That season, he had 29 goals, 33 assists, 62 points 398 penalty minutes (equivalent to slightly more than six and a half games completely in the box). This has so far been Bob's best season ever as a pro.
Bob was placed on inactive status by the NHL and missed the entire 1994-95 season. On March 28, 1995, Bob was reinstated by the NHL for the 1995-96 season. Bob made his Blackhawks debut on October 7, 1995 against San Jose. During this game, he scored his first point as a Blackhawk. Three days later, Bob scored his first goal with the Blackhawks against Los Angeles.
Bob played his 500th career NHL game on December 2, 1995, in Winnipeg. Currently, Bob ranks sixth on the NHL's All-Time Penalty Minute Leader list with 2 701 minutes. He needs only 343 more minutes to pass Chris Nilan for 5th place.
Bob appeared in the 1988 All-Star Game and assisted on a Wayne Gretzky goal.
Personal:
Bob and his
wife, Dani, have two young daughters, Brogan and Tierney. Bob enjoys
playing baseball, golf, racquetball, and also swimming and boating.
In the 1987-88 playoffs, Bob Probert beat Gordie Howe's playoff scoring record, scoring 8-13-21 in 16 games (while tallying 51 PIMs)!
In those same playoffs, Bob had a 6-point game (which pretty much takes him out of the "goon" category altogether).
That year, Probert amassed 29 goals and 33 assists in 74 games, along with his 398 penalty minutes. Seems like the Red Wings should have gotten more than they did (i.e. Jack Squat) losing him to the Chicago Blackhawks.
When Bob crashed his motorcycle in
a Detroit suburb, when he was 29, he was found to have not only three times
the legal alcohol limit in his blood, but traces of cocaine as well.