Rob Blake

The Norris-winning anchor who delivered Colorado its first Stanley Cup.

Robert Bowlby Blake joined the Colorado Avalanche late in the 2000–01 season, immediately transforming the roster into Stanley Cup contenders. Traded from the Los Angeles Kings on February 21, 2001, he scored 10 points in his final 13 regular-season games before leading the team to their first championship title. Blake played a pivotal role in the playoffs, tallying 19 points across 23 games as the Avalanche defeated his former club, the Kings, in the second round. After winning the Cup, he re-signed for five years, serving as the franchise's top defenseman and earning selections to the NHL Second All-Star Team for three consecutive seasons.

Quick Facts

Hall of Fame

2014

Born

10 December 1969

Birthplace

Simcoe, Ontario, Canada

Position

Defence

Shoots

Right

Played for

Los Angeles Kings
Colorado Avalanche
San Jose Sharks

Draft

70th overall

Drafted by

Los Angeles Kings

Lore & Background

Blake's arrival in Denver marked a turning point after an 11-season stint with Los Angeles. He made an instant impact, contributing 59 points in just 67 regular-season games to secure a spot on the NHL Second All-Star Team. In the 2001–02 season, he recorded his highest total with the Avalanche at 56 points in 75 games, finishing third among all NHL defensemen. Despite this offensive surge, Colorado fell in the Western Conference finals to the Detroit Red Wings. Blake continued his dominance through the 2003–04 campaign, being selected as a starter for the All-Star Game in Saint Paul and placing ninth among league defensemen with 46 points. He remained a constant presence until the 2005–06 season, where he reached his 200th career NHL goal on April 3 against the Chicago Blackhawks, becoming only the 17th defenseman ever to reach that mark.

Reader's Guide

Blake's statistical output with Colorado was elite. He recorded 59 points in 67 games during the 2000–01 regular season, earning an NHL Second All-Star Team selection. The following year, he peaked at 56 points in 75 games (2001–02), ranking third among all defensemen. In 2003, he placed fifth in Norris Trophy voting while recording 45 points in 79 games. He maintained this high level through the 2003–04 season with 46 points and his final full contract year (2005–06) saw him collect 51 points in 81 games. Beyond scoring, Blake achieved a historic milestone on April 3, 2006, when he scored his 200th career goal against the Chicago Blackhawks. His playoff performance was equally critical, with 19 points in 23 games during the championship run.