Defenseman Rob Blake Announces His Retirement

Veteran defenseman Rob Blake announced today that he is going to retire from the NHL after 21 seasons in the league. He is expected to make an official announcement some time next week. In 70 games last season, Blake scored seven goals and 23 assists for 30 points and 60 penalty minutes. In 1270 career NHL games with the Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, and San Jose Sharks, he had 240 goals and 537 assists for 777 points and 1679 penalty minutes. Blake won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2001 and the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman in 1998. He also won a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics. Blake was an outstanding defenseman throughout his NHL career. He had great offensive skills from the blueline, was a very physical and gritty player, a proven leader in the locker room and on the ice, and will likely be in the Hall of Fame one day. He should be proud of everything he accomplished in his career and will be missed in the NHL.

Sharks Sign Veteran Defenseman Rob Blake to New Contract

The San Jose Sharks announced on Tuesday that they have signed veteran defenseman Rob Blake to a one-year contract extension worth $3.5 million. He would have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 73 games last season with the Sharks, Blake scored 10 goals and 35 assists for 45 points and 110 penalty minutes, his best totals since the 2005-06 season. In 1200 career games, he has 233 goals and 514 assists for 747 points with the Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, and San Jose Sharks. He won the Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenseman in 1998 and a Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2001. This is a great signing for the Sharks, as Blake is an extremely talented defenseman who is showing no signs of slowing down. He has great offensive skills on the blueline, plays with lots of grit and toughness, and is a proven leader on the ice. His exceptional skills on the power play make him a great fit to the team’s special teams. Despite being 39 years of age, look for Blake to play a top-four role on the Sharks’ defense next season.