Rob Blake (born December 10, 1969) is a Canadian former ice hockey player who is currently the General manager of Los Angeles Kings. The sturdy defenceman is known for his physical style of playing. Blake played the most of his NHL career in Los Angeles Kings, but won his only Stanley Cup in Colorado Avalanche. Blake won the James Norris Memorial Trophy for best defender in 1998.

Early career

Rob Blake was drafted by Los Angeles Kings in 1988 but played college hockey in Bowling Green Falcons until 1990. He made an entry into Kings first team late 1989-90 season and played also the in the play-offs. His first whole season 1990-91 produced 46 regular season points and he was selected to NHL All-Rookie team.

The highlight of Blake’s early career was qualifying to the Stanley Cup finals with LA Kings in 1992-93 season. However, Kings had little chances vs. Montreal Canadiens, who grabbed the title in five games. The following year, Blake was on the top of his game, recording 68 points in the regular season. Sadly, Kings did not make it to the play-offs that year – and the season ended the same way three seasons after that.

Blake played for LA Kings until season 2000-01, when he was traded into Colorado Avalanche late during the regular season. The late season and post-season was a success, as Avalanche won the Stanley Cup. After the season, Blake made a new contract with the team.

Later career

After the championship season, Blake played four more seasons with the Avalanche. He did not play at all during the lockdown season 2004-05. His final season with the Avalanche was 2005-06, after which he became a free agent, as Avalanche decided not to utilize his option in the contract. During his time in Colorado, he scored his 200th career goal in NHL.

In 2006, Blake made a contract with LA Kings, returning to his original club. However, his return was not too successful. After two seasons, Blake signed with San Jose Sharks, where he played his last two seasons in NHL. Blake finished his professional career after 2009-10 season, totalling 1270 NHL games and 777 regular season points.

International career

Blake played in Canadian national team in several tournaments and his international success proved to be good. He is an Olympic champion from 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. Blake played also in 1998 and 2006 Olympic Games. Moreover, Blake has two World Championships (1994 and 1997), World Championship silver and World cup silver medals. He played a total of 58 games in the national team.

Management career

Soon after finishing his professional career, Blake started as a hockey operations manager of NHL. After that, Blake was hired as assistant general manager of Los Angeles Kings in 2013. Four years later, Blake was appointed as General manager of the team. Moreover, he became the vice president of the club.

Other interesting stuff

Blake played eight times in NHL All Star game. His #4 jersey was retired by Los Angeles Kings in 2015. Blake was inducted in Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014.