Ribeiro joins Phoenix Coyotes to reunite with former coach Dave Tippett

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Mike Ribeiro expected to be back in Washington after a productive season with the Capitals.

When it became clear the Capitals could no longer afford him, the highly-skilled center had one place in mind: Phoenix, where he could reunite with former coach Dave Tippett.

Ribeiro played four seasons with Tippett in Dallas and developed a more well-rounded game under the even-keel coach.

By joining the Coyotes, Ribeiro gives them the top-line scorer they've been searching for almost since moving to the desert in 1996.

Ribeiro has scored 50 points in a season eight times, including 49 in 48 games with the Capitals last season. He also was the NHL's leading scorer on the power play, an area the Coyotes have struggled with for years.