Stars sign C Ribeiro for 5 years, $25M

The 27-year-old Ribeiro’s contract was set to expire after this season. Now he’s signed until the 2012-13 season.

Ribeiro entered Monday night’s game against the Minnesota Wild having already established a career high with 21 goals.

“I’m glad it’s behind me so I can focus on hockey,” said Ribeiro, who had two assists Monday in Dallas’ 3-1 victory. “I’ve made a home here and there was no doubt I wanted to stay.

Last season with Dallas, Ribeiro had 18 goals and 41 assists for a team-high 59 points.

“I believe he’s made great strides from last year until now,” said Stars co-general manager Brett Hull. “He’s just scratching the surface. It’s not a one-hit wonder type of season.”

The Stars acquired Ribeiro in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens on Sept. 30, 2006. Ribeiro had 20 goals for Montreal is 2003-04.