Rob Blake

Hall of Fame defenseman, Norris Trophy winner, and Stanley Cup champion with Colorado and as Kings executive.

Robert Bowlby Blake (born December 10, 1969) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and currently the executive vice president of hockey operations for the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was originally drafted by the Kings in 1988, appearing in the 1993 Stanley Cup Final, winning the James Norris Memorial Trophy and serving as team captain for five seasons in his initial 11-season stint with the club. In 2001, Blake was traded to the Colorado Avalanche and was a member of their 2001 Stanley Cup championship team. After a two-season return to Los Angeles, Blake signed with the San Jose Sharks in 2008, retiring after the 2009–10 season. Four years later, in 2014, Blake was elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He won a second Stanley Cup as the assistant general manager of the Kings' front office in 2014.

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 was selected 70th overall in the 1988 NHL entry draft by the Los Angeles Kings. He played college hockey at Bowling Green State University. He was named the 11th captain in team history prior to the 1996–97 season. He received the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 1997–98. On February 21, 2001, the Kings traded him to the Colorado Avalanche. He won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2001. After five years with Colorado, he re-signed with the Kings on July 1, 2006. On September 28, 2007, he was renamed team captain. On July 3, 2008, he signed with the San Jose Sharks. He was named captain of the Sharks after Patrick Marleau was stripped of the role. He retired on June 18, 2010. The Kings retired his number 4 jersey on January 17, 2015. He was selected to the Colorado Avalanche's 20th anniversary team on December 8, 2015. He was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2018.

Reader's Guide

Blake played for Canada in three consecutive Winter Olympics in 1998, 2002, and 2006, winning gold in 2002 and becoming the 11th member of the Triple Gold Club. He was the first player to receive the CCHA Best Offensive Defenseman award. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 1990–91. He was selected to the NHL second All-Star team in 2001, 2002, and 2003. He scored his 200th career NHL goal on April 3, 2006. He became the 17th defenceman all-time to reach that mark.