Overview

Robert Alan ‘Bob’ Probert (June 5, 1965 – July 5, 2010) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. While a successful player, including being voted to the 1987–88 Campbell Conference all-star team, Probert was best known for his activities as a fighter and enforcer. He was one half of the ‘Bruise Brothers’ with teammate Joey Kocur during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known for his toughness and willingness to fight, Probert accumulated a large number of penalty minutes during his career, ranking among the all-time leaders in the NHL. Off the ice, Probert struggled with substance abuse and legal issues. After retiring from hockey, he continued to be involved in the sport through charity events and public appearances. Probert died of a heart attack at the age of 45.

What Is Bob Probert’s Net Worth?

Bob Probert, the Canadian professional hockey player known for his formidable presence on the ice, had a reported net worth of $5 million at the time of his passing. While specific details regarding the composition of his net worth, such as endorsements or investments, are not publicly available, we can analyze his career and potential earnings to gain a clearer understanding.

Hockey Career and Potential Earnings

Probert’s NHL career spanned from 1985 to 2002, during which he played for the Detroit Red Wings (1985-1994) and the Chicago Blackhawks (1995-2002). His role as an enforcer and fighter significantly influenced his earning potential. While enforcers might not command the highest salaries in professional hockey compared to star scorers, they are still valued for their contributions to team dynamics and protection of key players. Unfortunately, specific contract details and salary figures for Bob Probert are not readily accessible in the public domain. Typically, NHL player salaries are negotiated on a yearly basis or multi-year contracts, and these contracts can include base salaries, signing bonuses, and performance-based incentives.

Based on comparisons with other players in similar roles during that time, it’s reasonable to estimate that Probert’s average annual salary during his peak years with the Red Wings and Blackhawks could have ranged from $500,000 to $1,000,000. These estimates are based on the general salary landscape of the NHL during the late 1980s and 1990s, combined with the value a player of Probert’s caliber would have brought to his team. Over his career, spanning approximately 17 years, this would accumulate to an estimated $8.5 million to $17 million in gross earnings before taxes, agent fees, and other expenses.

Penalty minutes were a significant part of Probert’s career. He holds Detroit Red Wings records for career penalty minutes and penalty minutes in a season, also holding 5th all-time in NHL penalty minutes. While amassing penalty minutes doesn’t directly translate to earnings, it reflects the role he played and the value he brought to his team as an enforcer, thereby influencing his contract negotiations.

Additional Ventures and Assets

Beyond his NHL salary, it is important to consider additional sources of income and assets that may have contributed to Bob Probert’s net worth. These could include:

  • Endorsements and Sponsorships: Although specific endorsement deals are not public knowledge, it’s plausible that Probert had local or regional endorsements, given his popularity in Detroit and Chicago. These deals might have included endorsements for sports equipment, apparel, or local businesses.
  • Autobiography Royalties: Probert’s autobiography, “What a Journey It’s Been,” published in 2007, would have generated income through royalties from book sales. The exact figures are not available, but the book’s success would have contributed to his overall earnings.
  • Investments: Details of Probert’s investment portfolio are not publicly available. However, it’s common for professional athletes to invest in stocks, real estate, or other business ventures. The success of these investments would have played a role in his net worth.
  • Public Appearances and Speaking Engagements: After his retirement, Probert may have earned income from public appearances, autograph signings, and speaking engagements related to his hockey career.

Regarding specific assets such as real estate, vehicles, or other valuable possessions, there is no publicly available information detailing the specifics of Bob Probert’s holdings. As such, it is challenging to provide a comprehensive breakdown of his asset portfolio.

To summarize, while we have a definitive net worth figure of $5 million for Bob Probert, the composition of this net worth is based on estimates and potential earnings from his hockey career, endorsements, book royalties, and possible investments. Without access to his financial records, a precise breakdown is not feasible.

© 2025 Net Worth Ranker / All Rights Reserved