Rob Blake Officially Announces Retirement

After 20 outstanding seasons in the NHL, Rob Blake has called it quits.

The Simcoe, Ontario native’s career can’t be summed up in single words or numbers.

During the 1988 NHL Draft, Blake was selected in the fourth round (70th overall). He went on to play 1,270 career games with the Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, and San Jose Sharks.

He quickly earned respect around the league for elite skill level and dedication to the sport. His career was stamped by his booming slap-shot, bone-rattling checks and strong leadership.

The future Hall of Famer finished his career with 777 NHL points, placing him 18th all-time among defensemen. His 240 goals are tenth all-time among defensemen, 136 of those coming on the power play which is good for third all-time.

His mantle is decorated with more than his Norris Trophy from 1998. He was picked for the All-Rookie team in 1991, named a First Team All-star in 1998, and Second Team All-Star from 2000-2002. Blake was also selected for seven additional all-star games spanning over a decade.

Blake is  also part of a select group of players to win the hat trick of championships. He won World Championships with Canada in 1994 and 1997, an Olympic Gold Medal with Canada in 2002, and the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2001.

That Stanley Cup win was accompanied by 146 career playoff games; during which Blake contributed 73 points, tying him for 25th best all-time among defensemen.

Blake accomplished virtually everything he could during his 20-year career. He excelled at many different levels and aspects of the game but in the end he was the consummate professional hockey player.

Sharks

The Sharks owe a lot to Rob Blake and his contributions to this team go deeper than the numbers. It will be difficult to replace what he represented on this team, especially with all the side issues to address with free agents and the salary cap.

The mission is to somehow replace Blake’s 20 minutes per game, hand over the captain’s “C” and it’s responsibilities to another player and get his presence in the locker room as a leader.

Though Blake wasn’t the same player with the Sharks as he was in his prime, his level of contributions to the team in other areas meant more to the team than numbers.