I’m working on some stuff — draft-related and otherwise — that hopefully will generate some good content soon, but for now, there’s this. There are reports, from the Denver Post and the Sharks’ flagship cable TV outlet in San Jose, that Rob Blake is set to retire. That means that sooner, rather than later, the Kings will be confronted with a question: retire Blake’s No. 4, or not?
Blake’s on-ice credentials are very strong — he’s the only Norris Trophy winner in Kings franchise history, for instance — but there is clearly a segment of fans that remains displeased with the circumstances of Blake’s two departures from the Kings. What do you think?
hell no.
I’m not a Blake hater, in fact I still wear his jersey when I go to games. I think the first time he left it was over $$$ the Kings couldn’t afford and I didn’t hold a grudge.
He came back and was a shadow of himself. Then he bailed again. If he has no loyalty to the Kings then I think they don’t have any responsibility to hang his jersey.
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McDonalds Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
@Dan H.,
As I recall, DL didn’t offer him a contract, so he went to the Sharks. This isn’t exactly an Blake bailing on us.
I think that his number should go up into the rafters. I’ll understand why if it doesn’t though.
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Kevin Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
@McDonalds,
Didnt DL get a trade proposal from the Sharks that would have sent Nabokov to us for Blake and Blake said no because he wanted to “help the Kings.” then bolted…
I think DL did offer him a contract.
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Daniel Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
@McDonalds, DL didn’t offer him a contract because Blake played horribly. He called in those two years. I don’t know how he acted inside the locker room but on the ice he showed no leadership. I will forever remember the smile on his face after Ersberg got his helmet knocked off by a slap-shot. He chuckled, instead of checking of his teammate was OK. Nice Captain.
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RLane420 Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
@McDonalds, Blake signed with the Sharts before we got a chance to make an offer. DL told Flake he wanted him back. Also when Flake joined the Sharts he said how they should have brought him in sooner. Didnt care about LA so LA shouldnt care about him.
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King4aDay Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 12:42 am
@McDonalds, Lombardi was widely quotes as saying he was sorting out what he was going to do with Blake still and hadn’t offered a contract, nor given him assurances he would prior to free agency. He never even said that he would have signed him in hindsight. What would you do in that situation? How many teams would you want to play for, that would take your aging skills, and had a slot open. How long would a slot on the Sharks have been open if he didn’t sign there. IIRC, Boyle signed with the Sharks soon after Blake. I wonder if they would have taken Blake if they had Boyle first?
What we have here is a player who was loved by the fans, and left us. It doesnt matter why he left. We are fans and we can be mad he left. And if there was a good reason, its not good enough to compensate for our pain and suffering.
I dont care if we retire his number or not. I don’t think every player with a 50/50 shot at the HOF deserves a retirement ceremony. But lets at least not revise history, and get the facts of this straight.
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Moondoggie Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
@Dan H., I also voted no….as in HELL NO! There have been far more Kings who have done far more for the team both during and after their careers than Rob Blake. First and foremost, loyalty and in my opinion Blake didn’t show it as an LA King. The names of those in the rafters for the Kings wore their jersey’s with pride. I never got that feeling with Rob Blake. The other retired players have hung around in one form or another to be close to the team, shoot even Gretzky gives the press the soundbite about how great playing on the Kings was. Do you honestly see Rob Blake supporting the Kings in his retirement???
I rest my case.
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luc20rules Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
@Moondoggie, I am torn on this one. At this point I don’t care either way, but I would take issue with the fact that he didn’t play hard his first 7 years here, and I have never heard him say anything, but positive things about his time in LA and the teammates he had here. I don’t want him to get his jersey retired just based on the fact that we were going to build around him when he left and the $$$ were about the same. Still at that time its hard to blame a player for going for the better chance at winning the Stanley Cup. Looking back unless his staying eliminates the injuries that took place he would be looking at retiring without winning a Stanley Cup.
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garry Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 9:43 am
@Dan H.,
The only loyalty Blake has is to the almighty dollar. He was the same as a “hired gun slinger”! Blakey, go away in peace with your pocket’s stuffed. Like Brando said in “On the Waterfront” “I could have been somebody”. Too late to suck up to King fan’s.
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Still the only Norris winner EVER to have a negative +/-
Can’t retire this jersey. Will forever diminish what the other players up there have done for this organization.
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mrbrett7 Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
@deelo,
Perfect! Well said.
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That’s a huge airball Rich, Blake’s sweater should never even be close to Luc’s or Marcel’s.
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Heck no!!! Boooooooooooo!!!!
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PRMan Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 8:50 am
@Dan, Darn right, booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!
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HELL. NO.
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AWESOME! Sharks are clearly being dismantled this offseason. Bye bye Blake, Nabokov and Marleau!
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Garrett Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
@gary, I don’t think the retirement of a 40-year-old, over-the-hill player like Blake means they are dismantling. In fact, I think the opposite is true- they will sign another better d-man to take his place. Their success this post-season will only make them re-load.
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luc20rules Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
@Garrett, Sharks have no choice, but to dismantle Pavelski, and other young studs have reached the end of their rookie contracts and will get huge paydays. Marleau and Nabokov are almost certainly gone. As for Blake what stud will you sign for the 2 mil/yr that he was getting. I think thats what we should be upset about DL probably asked him to stay for 1 yr 2.5 to 3 mil and he went to the Sharks for 2 yrs 2mil/yr. But then again I think we were better off with OD at 1.5 mil over the last 2 yrs.
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I think the general impression about Blake’s departure to the Sharks after his second stint here was that everyone expected the Kings to resign him, including Blake. But when July 1st rolled around apparently Dean Lombardi didn’t feel Blake was worth the price. If I remember correctly Blake even said he waited all day for a call from the Kings and when it didn’t come he entertained other offers. Not saying I agree with how he left the Kings both times, or that I believe the account I just wrote. Just saying that’s how I heard it.
Regardless of what you think of Blake personally, you can’t deny his talent. He’ll be in the Hall of Fame and I’d be shocked if the Kings didn’t retire his number regardless of what us fans think. Therefore I voted yes to the poll.
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NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
@Paul From Oxnard, I agree. I can’t believe how many on this site think that Blake dumped the Kings or screwed the Kings when he signed with SJ. It was the Kings who dumped him the 2nd time around.
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steve Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
@NOW IMPRESSED, are you guys for real? Rob Blake’s sweater should be no where near any of the King greats
Remember it was Rob Blake who refused to waive his NTC to go to SJ or COL, which would have helped the kings rebuild, only to finish the season a king and then sign with SJ.
Screw Rob Blake! He screwed the Kings twice
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quisp Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
@NOW IMPRESSED,
If you believe Blake’s account of what happened, the Kings “dumped” him. But that whole “waited all day for a call” thing was debunked almost as soon as he said it. The details are all a matter of public record.
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MR King Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
@Paul From Oxnard,
I felt the same way so I voted yes.
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LB Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Based on his on-ice accomplishments for the Kings for the whole decade of the 90′s, how does he not deserve to have his jersey retired?
The booers will just have to stay home the night of the ceremony.
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Garrett Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
@LB, what on-ice accomplishments? Missing the playoffs from ’94 to ’97 and again in ’99? Being a league laughingstock for a decade? Maybe you mean all those games he missed due to injury in the early ’90s when the team was actually good but he contributed nothing because he spent half the season on the bench? Blake was never better than an average defensive d-man and even his offensive contribution was always exaggerated.
If you’re going to retire Blake’s number then you’d have to reture Larry Robinson’s, Tomas Sandstrom’s, Charlie Simmer’s, Bernie Nichols’, Kelly Hrudey’s, and all the other pretty-good, but not great players the Kings have had.
Blake will never be in the Hall, by the way. It is reserved for the most stand-out players in the game and he falls a notch below that level.
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PRMan Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 9:00 am
@LB, Stay home? Are you kidding? I’ll be there booing the entire ceremony until the red coats throw me out.
DL says he wants players with a Kings tattoo? Blake is not that guy. What a horrible example that would send to this young team.
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quisp Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
@Paul From Oxnard,
There’s never been a defenseman with a negative career +- admitted to the HoF.
His jersey absolutely should not be retired. Why should it? Scored a lot of points? Retire Bernie Nichols, Charlie Simmer, etc… Blake left twice over money (I don’t want to debate the minute by minute log of what happened two years ago — I’m satisfied he was lying about what happened, but you’re welcome to think otherwise), and both times he left, the team immediately got better, not a little bit better, but better by leaps and bounds. Why is that, exactly?
Blake is a very talented guy. Phil Housley isn’t in the hall of fame, either. not everyone who is an excellent player gets to be in the hall of fame. the standard is higher than that.
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Matt George Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
@quisp,
one more thing regarding Blake as well… which isn’t getting much attention so far in the thread,
His last 2 years here, he skated like he was already retired!
Then went to SJ and proceeded to actually try.
Hell no from me.
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Southbay Kings Guy (not Blakes neigbhor) Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
@quisp,
a) plus minus is the most overrated stat in the history of hockey
b) But if you want to discuss plus/minus, the only reason he is a minus player is the minus-45 he posted with the Kings while playing with rookies and discarded veterans during the first couple of years of Dean’s rebuild.
c) A Hall of Famer is being one of the top players at your position during your generation, which Blake undoubtedly qualifies as.
d) in this day and age, EVERYONE leaves over money and plays for multiple teams. He played over 800 games here and owns every record the Kings have amongst defensemen. How could he not have his number retired?
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quisp Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
@Southbay Kings Guy (not Blakes neigbhor),
re “most overrated stat” — if you say so. Ironically, you’re making a sweeping generalization to criticize a stat for being, essentially, a sweeping generalization; to say nothing of the fact that saying +- is the most overrated stat in hockey is not an original thought; people argue this point all the time; people like me started that point, years ago, and what we meant was, you can’t generalize about what a poor plus/minus rating in any given game or even any given season means, without knowing who else was on the ice, what the circumstances were, how good the team was, what situations the player was used in, etc.etc..
However.
When you’re looking at an entire career, plus/minus is quite valuable. In a very large sample size, it’s an excellent gauge of a player’s defensive “inclination.” The Hall of Fame honors many offensive defenseman, all of whom have positive plus/minus and most of whom have a rating well into the hundreds. The fact that Blake is in negative territory is a red flag.
Now, you can blame that on the crappy teams he was on. But this is a circular argument. Blake was on the ice for 30 minutes (approx) of every one of those games. Frequently his plus/minus was the worst on the team. The team’s net plus/minus was better with him off the ice. But of course, that’s the fault of his crappy linemates.
It’s not uncommon for good defensemen on bad teams to have excellent numbers, including excellent plus/minus.
re “the only reason”
yeah, well those teams had more veterans (Conroy, Avery) and talent (Cammalleri) than the teams that came after. Yet, Blake’s numbers are atrocious. Also, as I said, the team immediately improves when he leaves. (both times)
re “one of the top players”
really? there is a very long list of players who were “one of the top players” at their position who are not in the hall of fame.
re “in this day and age”
he could not have his number retired because he never did **** for this franchise when he was here. I can’t think of a single goal he scored that mattered. He did have 8 goals in 60 or so playoff games. I can’t recall any of them, though I was there for every one. Could be my problem. All of the other numbers hanging from the rafters represent different legacies. They were all class guys. They all were prime movers in major successes for the franchise. Blake can’t claim any of that.
Everyone leaves over money? Taylor didn’t. Yzerman didn’t. Lemieux didn’t. Etc. Etc. Etc. Robitaille didn’t. “everybody’s doing it” doesn’t wash with me. He took the money. He left to be “on a winner.” He was, as he said, “tired of all that rebuiding.” Okay, fine. He’s entitled not to be that into rebuilding. But he doesn’t get to turn around and get his number in the rafters of the building.
What is “I was tired of all that rebuilding” other than “I wasn’t that into the whole Los Angeles Kings thing.”? See? he did what he did. In my opinion, he doesn’t deserve any special mention.
Also, I think his ass checks were highly overrated and, as even my wife noticed, frequently led directly to goals against on the same shift.
He did vote against four on four OT in the playoffs, and for that I am thankful.
luc20rules Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
@quisp, I think I have a resolution that will make everyone happy. The Kings should have a private cerimony with all the pro-Blake fans at the old Great Western Forum Retire his jersey alone in the rafters.
Have them all exit the forum go to a small bar to celibrate, then have all the Blake haters on hand to watch them imploded the old Great Western Forum.
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quisp Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
@luc20rules,
I appreciate that that’s funny.
I don’t hate Rob BLake. I just don’t think he was “all that.” Why don’t we just retire every number of every player who scores more than 500 points?
I also don’t buy the “of course his numbers sucked because the Kings sucked” argument. If he had helped make the Kings good, then I might agree he deserves recognition. but he didn’t. i find it really unconvincing and actually infuriating that even the argument in favor of retiring his jersey (and admitting him into the hall) depends on pointing out how much the kings sucked and therefore dragged him down. “It’s not my fault. Honor me.” Great campaign slogan.
Let the SJ or COL hang his jersey, NOT LA!!!
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luckyluc13 Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
@King Doughnuts, Thank you,my sediments also.I voted NO!.I think a player who still gets booooed at Staples should not get their jersery retired there.
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I agree that his on-ice credentials merit a jersey retirement but there’s another side to the argument: character. Was Rob Blake a King through-and-through? Sorry, I don’t think so. His departure the first time is reason enough why the number 4 should continue to be in play.
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Paul From Oxnard Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
@Keith Korneluk, To be honest, that’s not much of an argument. It’s an excuse Kings fans like to use.
Was Gretz a “King through and through”? He started with the Oilers (arguably he should have been a lifelong Oiler), came to the Kings, then went to St. Louis and New York.
How about Robitaille? He left the Kings twice. Was he a “King through and through”?
Rogie Vachon played in Montreal before he got to the Kings, and after he left he went to Detroit and Boston. Nobody questions his jersey being retired.
Marcel Dionne played in Detroit & New York and his jersey was retired by the Kings and he’s a beloved former King.
The ONLY guy you could honestly make that argument for was Dave Taylor, who of course played his entire career in a Kings sweater.
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Newf Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
@Paul From Oxnard, Exactly. I don’t think it matters that any of those players didn’t play their entire careers with the Kings. what matters is what they did while they were in LA. When you think of those players, with the exception of Gretz of course, most people will immediately think LA first, other teams after. They made their mark in LA and secured a place in fans hearts, and when they did leave, it was heartbreaking for fans because of what they meant to the team.
As for Blake…to me, he didn’t accomplish any of that. Good career numbers don’t guarantee you anything. When I think of Blake, I think of a guy who, at one time, gave it his all to try to win a cup here…but then decided to abandon that and go elsewhere to win.
The only way I’d hang Blake’s jersey from the rafters is if he was still in it. lol.
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DY Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
that’s awsome!
Seattle757 Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
@Paul From Oxnard, Woah Paul, Woah, first Robitaille didn’t leave the Kings, he was traded away. He isn’t the one who wanted to leave. The 2nd time around he went away as a free agent to get a chance at the Cup, do you blame him? Afterwards where did he come? Back to LA. Even when he was gone his family stayed behind. How do I know? Because I was the Teacher Assistant of one of his kids up the street from his home. Luc even with the other teams was always committed to LA and part of this city. The same can’t be said for Blake.
Dionne too was traded because of coach/management disputes just like with Robitaille. Dionne if anything is known as a King, not a Ranger. He if no one else influence Carter, Robitaille, and Duchesne.
Vachon may have left the Kings, but he has been with the Kings and identifies with this team even though he won the Cup 3 times with Montreal. He has been a big part of the Kings since he retired.
Blake, well I can’t see him ever being part of this team after he retires. He abandoned ship
Blake followed money and played with no heart when he came back; Robitaille, he did everything he could to better this team and he left a mark. Those players whose numbers are retired deserve to be there. Blake I say no right now.
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Seattle757 Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
@Seattle757,
Oops, I meant Carson.
Since '67 Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
@Seattle757,
I think you meant Carson.
And I agree with most everyone that Blake’s number should never, ever be retired in LA. Denying the Captaincy and dragging it on his second stint. And when people talk about his offensive numbers they totally forget how he would just disregard the defensive zone quite often in order to pad his stats. If there is anyone’s number that was missed and should be retired it should be Goring’s #19.
Also, so I guess the Senators should retire Heatley’s number too when he calls it quits. He had great numbers with them.
The other thing is if we can somehow find a way to never have any Roenick’s face and lame viewpoints even remotely associated with the Kings!
quisp Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
@Paul From Oxnard,
Luc never wanted to leave the Kings. He was traded once, and forced out the second time.
Gretzky is a special case. His time in LA literally changed the “face of hockey in the US.”
Dionne also didn’t leave of his own accord. Neither did Vachon.
Blake presided over several crappy seasons in LA. Big f-ing deal. He scored a lot of points. So did a lot of people not in the hall, and not deserving of having their jersey retired.
His character is absolutely an issue. Sorry.
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Matt George Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
@quisp,
AGREED.
He took the “C”, failed to lead and take responsibility, then bailed the next year. No, no, NEVER!!
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Eberlin Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
@kq949, were you referring to his stint with the Kings of his recent stint with the Sharks? Ok, that was a cheap shot but it felt like Gretzky to Kurri on an empty net…I had to shoot.
That said, I actually do like Blake and wouldn’t mind having his number up there. He has the numbers and the hardware to qualify, and he practically grew up a King. Yes, the ending wasn’t exactly storybook but c’mon. man, it’s Blakey!
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puck73 Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
@Eberlin, The Kings offered Blake an 8.6 Million dollar extension and he said no then was traded to Colorado where he then won the cup, then signed for 9 Mil per year..400,000 difference per year.
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Career statistics are far too good to ignore.
I voted yes, despite the fact that all loyal Kings fans (including myself) despise the fact that his best efforts were seemingly for teams other than the Kings during the champagne sunset portion of his career…
The only solace is the knowledge that–hopefully in two decades or so–DD will join him in the rafters after a long, successful, multiple-Cup winning career with the one team he’ll ever play for, the team he loved as a kid…
The ultimate black-and-white comparison of two totally dissimilar players.
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quisp Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
phil housley
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Retired jerseys should require performance with complete fan appreciation. If you have to even ask the question that should easily answer the question. Which by the way should be a no. He moved on and so did the fans. Just leave it alone.
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kevin Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
@Kingswin!,
well said.
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I’m still undecided here. The Kings screwed Blake on his first contract extension and Blake screwed the Kings when he fled up North. Do we call it a wash? Or do we ignore the business side of the game and look at his body of work on the ice as a King? Is it enough to warrant retiring his jersey? I’m not sure.
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quisp Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
@txkingsfan,
the kings screwed blake on his extention? that’s news.
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Looks like the blog is freaking out again. Guess it just doesn’t like these topics that generate large numbers of responses in a short period of time.
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Matt George Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
@Paul From Oxnard,
I mean no disrespect to those who obviously have blog problems every now and then but… I just don’t see it.
It’s always good for me.
Mac OSX Firefox latest version… dunno if that has anything to do with it.
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quisp Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
@Matt George,
I have Mac osx 10.5 and firefox (also safari and opera) and i get the problems people have mentioned (where it suddenly goes to “mobile” view and won’t let you comment).
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He is the Kings all-time leader amongst defensemen in numerous categories, playing over 800 games as a Kings blueliner. The numbers suggest such an honor, without a doubt. And how silly would the Kings look when he is inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Kings do not even honor him after playing for so long with the Kings? The arguments here have nothing to do with what he accomplished on the ice, just off the ice. That’s like saying Pete Rose is not a hall of famer…scratch that.:)
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NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
@Southbay Kings Guy (not Blakes neigbhor),
WELL SAID
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BluLiner Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
@Southbay Kings Guy (not Blakes neigbhor),
What did he ever win with the Kings?
He’s just a mercenary. NO! Let Colorado put his number up.
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Southbay Kings Guy (not Blakes neigbhor) s Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
@BluLiner, what has anyone with the Kings ever won?
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BluLiner Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
@Southbay Kings Guy (not Blakes neigbhor) s,
Exactly, you need more than talent for this honor, you need results or character.
BluLiner Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
@Southbay Kings Guy (not Blakes neigbhor) s,
Exactly, it takes more than talent to get this honor, namely, a Cup and/or character.
Southbay Kings Guy (not Blakes neigbhor) Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
@BluLiner, we’re in a new era in sports. No one stays around and plays with one team. People leave, they come back, they leave. It’s a part of sports. ALL SPORTS. Can’t hold the era that he played in against him. I guess no one should ever have their jersey retired again then ey?
Southbay Kings Guy (not Blakes neigbhor) Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
@BluLiner, and a Norris Trophy!
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David Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
@BluLiner,
He won a Norris Trophy. What did anyone else hanging in the rafters win with the kings?
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Darrell Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
@David, Dionne won the Art Ross, Lady Byng, and Lester Pearson, Gretzky won the Art Ross, the Hart, and the Lady Byng, Taylor won the Masterton, and Robitaille won the Calder. Vachon won the Vezina, though not with the Kings (he was a finalist with the Kings, however). All except Dionne and Taylor have won the Stanley Cup, though obviously not with us.
Garrett Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
@Southbay Kings Guy (not Blakes neigbhor), it’s VERY early to assume he will end up in the Hall of Fame. I would be very very surprised if he does.
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@Southbay Kings Guy (not Blakes neigbhor) Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
@Garrett, How? he was one of the top players of his generation on defense…That’s a hall of famer.
He’s 10th all-time amongst blue liners in goals, 22nd in assists and 18th all-time in points. There have been close to 2,000 dmen ever to play games in the NHL and he is in the top 25. Feel free to play with the stats yourself.
http://kings.nhl.com/club/teamstatsleaders.htm?fetchKey=00002LOSDAHAll&sort=goals&viewName=careerLeadersAllSeasons
Throw in all of his accolades, the fact that he was Captain of two different teams and won a Stanley Cup? Hall of Famer no doubt and one of the best Kings ever in their history.
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Garrett Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
@@Southbay Kings Guy (not Blakes neigbhor), one of the top players of his generation on defense? Hardly. In no particular order: Niklas Lidstrom, Chris Pronger, Scott Neidermayer, Brian Leetch, Chris Chelios, Ray Bourque, Sergei Zubov, Scott Stevens, Zdeno Chara, Al MacInnis, Adam Foote, Ed Jovanovski, Larry Murphy, Sergei Gonchar. All part of Blake’s generation on defense and all better than him. And that’s just off the top of my head.
Rob Blake may well end up in the HOF but it is in no way a lock for him.
54FIGHTING Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 9:43 am
@Southbay Kings Guy (not Blakes neigbhor),
Can I agree to put his number in the rafters ‘if’ he makes the HHOF and ‘if’ he chooses the Kings sweater there? Otherwise still no from me.
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are you kidding me? last sint he was so called leader of the team but showed no heart and bailed as soon as he could. NO NEED TO HANG HIS # IN L.A.
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I own a Blake jersey, signed personally by him when I was a little kid.
He is one of the greatest to wear the Kings jersey.
I still say no, because he cared more about money, than he did about this franchise, and all others up in the rafters put this franchise before their wallet’s. Vachon, Taylor, Dionne, Gretzky (to an extent), Luc…those were and will always be Kings.
When you think of Rob Blake, do you think of a Los Angeles King? A Colorado Avalanche? A San Jose Shark? I’m honestly not sure.
He’ll be in the HOF…which team will he represent?
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kingswings Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
@mrbrett7,
I say noooooo to retiring Blake’s jersey. As for the HHOF, players are inducted based on their body of work and are not affiliated with a particular team. Also, Gretzky’s number was retired by the ENTIRE league, not just the Kings. I’m not sure the Kings would retire his jersey based on his stint in LA alone. Edmonton had more reason to do so than LA.
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Garrett Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
@kingswings, are you crazy? Of course the Kings would have retired Gretzky’s number. The league’s retirement of 99 and the Kings’ were two totally different things. It’s not like all 30 teams held big retirement ceremonies for him or his number actually hangs from the rafters anywhere but LA and Edmonton (it doesn’t). His time in LA is fondly remembered and the Kings were definitely an important part of his career and hockey’s growth as a big-time sport in America.
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Kevin Y Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
@Garrett,
Agree. Edmonton and LA should have Gretzky’s banner hanging in the rafters because of their contributions to the team.
Ray Bourque’s #77 is retired by the Avs also. If he didn’t win the Cup, not sure that would be the case. Because of the circumstances, I have no problem with that.
Even the Miami Heat retired Michael Jordan’s #23 (not retired through the NBA) for “contributions to basketball”. He never played for the franchise, nor in the Miami area.
Perfect examples of why stats aren’t the only criteria. Character, and contributions to the organization, are much more important roles.
In fact, if Bob Miller ever had played for the Kings, I’d think he’d be more likely to have his jersey number retired solely for his contributions to the club as a broadcaster than Blake.
kingswings Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 10:43 am
@Garrett,
Fair enough. I recognize that Gretzky’s move to LA sparked the growth of the NHL in North America, and I also recognize that he is arguably the greatest player to ever play in the NHL and he deserves all the accolades he gets. For these reasons alone, the NHL should have retired his number. I suppose I was projecting my own personal feelings on his jersey retirement (by the Kings). As sacrilegious as this may sound, I personally never got the feeling that he bled silver & black. The best example I can give of this is his reaction to leaving Edmonton (in tears), versus leaving Los Angeles (escapee). Different circumstances, sure, but telling nonetheless. To me, anyway. This is reason enough to me not to retire a player’s jersey (i.e. Rob Blake). Luc Robitaille seems to me to be a good comparison and example of someone’s whose jersey should be retired. He played for 3 other teams in his career and won a cup with one of them, but he bled purple & gold, silver & black, then finally purple & silver. I doubt anyone can deny that. My two cents, anyway.
While I can apreciate that he had was a great and most likely a Hall of Fame player, I for one would not be in favor of seeing his Kings jersey retired.
Vachon, Taylor, Marcel, Wayne & Luc are all “beloved” by he fan base and Rob and the history that marks his time is too polarizing.
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I was always a Blake supporter and loved him when he was on the Kings.
If this question was being asked before this past season I would have said yes. (it might have been, and I probably did)
After seeing what’s coming with this team, I would much rather wait and retire guys like Doughty and Kopitar’s numbers. They will end up being the real Kings heroes when they lift the Cup in a Kings uniform.
I would rather wait and retire guys who gave us something special.
Nothing against Blake but he was part of the non-winning past.
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Ownership mortgaged the future trying to win while Gretsky was around from 88-93/94. After 94, Blake was the best player on 5-6 years of really really lousy teams which wld have been even worse without him. I’ll always be a Blake fan because of how hard he played over those years when he must have known the team sucked and was probably going to lose that night.
Blake’s +- would be far better if he’d played on say an average team, or didn’t have to play so far up ice trying to generate offense. One of the saddest days I had as a kings fan was when Blake came back to LA with Colorado and there was this one play where he just hung at the blue line–Colorado was getting all sorts of pressure without him–and I was close enough to see the sad look on his face as he could afford to hang back.
If Blake had played his whole career with the Kings, for sure retire his # given the Kings lower standards
As for him leaving, its a business and I’m sure Blake would have stayed a King if he’d been paid the going market rates for his services.
Still, seems to me no championship, no retired jersey.
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NO. don’t retire his number.
But…I never boo’ed Blake. He’s a true professional on and off the ice. He gave everything he had to every team he ever played for. And as a King, he was a leader and an inspiration. For those of you who claim he was terrible in his second stint, I actually think he was our best defenseman during a period of time where our team simply sucked. Maybe he was an easy target because of his departure to Colorado…but either way, he will be missed. Thank you and good luck Blakey!
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I generally don’t think Blake did enough while in Los Angeles.
Hell, id retire Norstrom’s number before Blakes.
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Cup4LA64 Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
@Deader2818,
I second that opinion! Jersey retirement shouldn’t be all about stats and numbers.
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middy Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
@Deader2818,
Absolutely right, retire Norstrom’s number, he did more for L.A. than Blake ever thought about doing. Just hang Blake instead of his jersey.
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I voted no and will continue to do so until I see what uniform he selects when he is inducted into the HOF. His stats alone in a Kings sweater warrant his number to be hung from the rafters, but his 2-time departure will always come back to haunt him and that’s the simple truth. I would be willing to change my mind, if he enters the HOF in a Kings Sweater – if not, keep the #4 on the ice.
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I would retire #33 way before I would retire #4.
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The Sharks will definetely do some major rearranging this offseason just like last year when they picked up Heatley. They’ll likely loose Nabokov and Marleau and now Blake retires too! Anyway, it’ll be interesting to watch what they do.
The one thing I’m stumped about is who are they going to replace Nabokov with? The next biggest goalie on the UFA list is Turco and he is like the same exact goalie as Nabby except older. I wouln’t be surprised at all if they move up in the draft and get Jack Campbell. Either that or resign Nabokov.
Back to the Kings, is there any chance of us signing either Nabokov or Marleau? I now that Dean Lombardi is very fond of both of them. He drafted both of them, He chose Nabokov over Toskala and Kippersoff, and he made Marleau captain. I know the Kings are looking to get that Kovalchuk callibar guy and Marleau is just as good but 3 mill. cheaper. And maybe we could trade Quick and our tandem next year would be Nabby and Bernier, imagine that.
Anyway, I’m just spit-balling here. I have no clue what the Kings are planning to do this offseason but I sure am looking forward to it.
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Dan H. Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
@Sign Marleau, Dean,
Why would he think of signing Nabakov when we have a log jam in a good way at goalie now? Marleau is another story.
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Harry Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
@Sign Marleau, Dean,
You would prefer Nabby over Quick?
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Seattle757 Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
@Sign Marleau, Dean,
Marleau I will personally fly back to LA to get him a beach side home.
Naboko? Na-way, I take Quick over and over and over.
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kyle Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
@Sign Marleau, Dean, No Nabakov. No way. No how. I have images of Fuhr dancing in my head. Maybe a bit unfair to Mr. N. , but you get the idea…
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David Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
@Sign Marleau, Dean,
It would be stupid to get Nabby since we have Quick and Bernier. And Marleau is not 3 mill cheaper than Kovy… Marleau is getting 6.3 now and Kovy is only getting 6.4…
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Sign Marleau, Dean Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
I know theres like absoltely zero chance of us getting Nabby but I think Marleau would be an awesome King in comparison to Ilya Kovalchuck.
Kovalchuck is asking for a 10 year deal worth 100 million bucks. Considering that the Kings will have to deal with resigning guys like Doughty, Johnson and Schenn in the future, landing Kovalchuck to that big of a contract is looking awfully unlikely.
As for Marleau, he scored 44 goals this year (3 more than Kovalchuck) and he has more experience in the playoffs. He can play both wing and center and Marleau is also the better leader. Despite being stripped of the ‘C’ this year, he was the captain of the Sharks for the better part of the decade. And on top of all that, Patrick Marleau isn’t asking for nearly as much of a commitment or cash as Kovalchuck is.
All of these facts back-up my point that Dean should really offera nice-looking contract towards Patrick Marleau. I’m predicting an 8 million per year 3 season contract. Do it, Dean!
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I think not
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Hell No!
If The Kings retire Blakes number, I am done as a fan.
Blake didn’t earn a number retirement.
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Should the Senators retire Alexei Yashin’s number? Okay, that wasn’t a fair comparison.
I take that back… kind of…
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Traded For a Pick Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 9:21 am
@Eric C.,
I heard Yashin’s jersey is actually hung in the Islander’s stadium…above the urinals
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In a word: NO!
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I don’t think his desenfive game was good enough. Yeah, he had the Butt Check, but he seemed to ignore his defenseive responsibilities at times…or just sucked at them.
Does he really deserve to be the first defenceman in Kings history to have his jersey retired? Why, so we can have an even six jerseys in the rafters?
Yeah, he won the Norris. But it was a bad year for d-men IMO. Leetch’s production dipped by 28 points to 50 for the year. MacInnis only had 49 points. The following year he had 62 points and won the Norris. Pronger hadn’t found his offensive touch, yet still finished 3rd in voting. Lidstrom hsd 59 points and finished 2nd in voting. I think he probably should have won it that year. Maybe they figured it was Blakes only chance to win one.
All that being said, I don’t really care if they do, but I don’t think he deserves it.
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No to Blake.
I don’t think numbers should be retired very easily. There should be no question about it.
The rafters should have very true and very few jerseys hanging there.
Numbers should be available for new players to choose unless there is a strong unquestioned reason to keep it in store.
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I never booed him, but I don’t think they should retire his number either. I can just hear all the booing during the ceremony, talk about ugly.
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I have no hate for Blake. He is a Hall of Fame hockey player and the when he played as a King was a professional. However Blake is not in the same class as the numbers on the wall at Staples Center. I would argue that Mattias Norstrom would have every right to be retired as a King if Blake made it up there.
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No. A jersey hanging in the rafters should bring nostalgic smiles, not habitual booing.
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I never booed him, but I don’t think they should retire his number. I can just hear all the booing during the ceremony, talk about ugly.
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Blake who? DD is the present and the future of this team and he will win the Norris and bring the Kings the Cup.
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Maybe it’s just me, but I have a hard time holding a grudge against a player for going after the most money they can get. NHL careers, on average, are not as long as his, so it makes sense for players to get what they can get. Plus, each time Blake left, he’s made room for younger defensemen to step in and shine. So, I’m not one of the fans you’ll hear booing him when he comes to town.
However, I do not think he should have his number retired by the Kings. Had he won a Cup here, or had he remained a King after he came back the first time, I would be more for it, but he spent much of his career away from LA, and I can’t see that he merits it.
If they do it, I’m not going to be pissed, but I don’t think they should. I just think you should reserve that for guys who transcend the game (Gretzky and Dionne) or who represent the best qualities of the Kings (Vachon, Taylor and Robitaille). I like that the Kings have only retired five numbers in 44 years, which means it doesn’t come cheap.
I hope Doughty, Brown or Kopitar will be the next Kings to have their numbers retired, and many years from now at that.
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Matt George Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
@KingMe20,
Honestly it’s not the money.
Nor his leaving.
It’s the complete lackadaisical play this guy gave us during his last stint here that has us pissed.
It wouldn’t be so bad if he did the same thing in San Jose … but he didn’t… in SJ he actually played awesome… like he cared.
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I’d give the number to Hickey instead, whenever he gets called up.
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Tullskull Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 11:25 am
@gr81scores,
I’m with you! I would rate Hickey above Blake on character alone. That we are having this conversation is testimony that we still have a long way to go as an organization.
I will never forget seeing Blake talking trash to Ziggy that 1st time we met them in the playoffs after the trade. This was just after they had won the game. How about the next year at a home game when some fan got under his skin and he chucked a full water bottle as hard as he could in his direction and hit some woman.
Do you think Colorado has any problem letting someone wear #4 and he won a cup with them?
For cryin’ out loud Detroit doesn’t even have #14 up there. Do you think he contributed to the wings less that Blake did for us?
NO and BOOO
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gr81scores Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
@Tullskull, Great point. Blake had the potential to retire as a King and a leader to the youngsters coming up in the organization. However, when he left again for the second time, that pretty much nailed the coffin in my opinion.
A player’s number should be retired based not only on his achievements on the ice but also for his character and what he meant to his teammates. By bailing on the organization that gave him his start for the chance to win right now, and of all teams the Sharks, it shows the lack of respect he has for the Kings.
The HOF may come calling someday, but don’t expect the Kings or most of its fans to be raising that number up.
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Blake’s a great player, and a future hall of famer. But a player’s number should be retired based on their importance to the franchise, instead of personal success…
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Not only will he get his number hanging in Staples, but I would bet he’s likely going to move into the front office.
Prepare yourself haters.
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BarbieDoll Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
@Barrie G,
I love your thinking!
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Since '67 Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
@Barrie G,
So you’re about individuals and NOT about the Kings.
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Barrie G Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
@Since ’67,
Of course I am about the team first and foremost but I have favorites within the franchise over the years just like anyone else. If there is one Kings fan out there who claims not have a favorite player(s) and be only about team then they can bugger off and hold the “liar” sign for eternity.
Blake, admittedly, was definitiely one of my favorites. He was an outstanding d-man, likely our best one during the 1993 SCF run and played long and hard years for the franchise, even during years they were going nowhere fast. People seem to conveniently forget all of that.
He had some rough spots the second go around but the team was hurting in all facets of the game so I don’t blame his numbers entirely on him.
As far as the person he is, he was always a classy individual off the ice in LA, and one of the most well-liked and respected guys by his teammates.
People whined about him when he left but didn’t whine when he was here. Everyone needs to get over it and realize he was one of the greatest to ever play for LA. It is what it is.
# 4 will be up in the rafters of Staples.
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Enough about Flake… Come on Hawks end the cup chase tonight, so we can move on to building the Kings for next years cup run!
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No. Not hell no by any means, but no. He did have a Norris season and he was part of the team that made it to the final. And he’s definitely had a HOF career. But i think all you have to do to see whether he is worthy of having his number retired as a King is to look at the most recently retired Kings number, 20, Luc. Won the Calder, scored over 40 goals his first 8 seasons, part of the run to the finals, most goals and points EVER by a left wing, and a classy guy to boot. THAT’S a guy who gets his number in the rafters. (Doughty, please take note)
I think many fans unfairly abuse Blake for business decisions. Sure, i would have liked him to stay in LA, but there were a lot of good reasons not to. He was a very good player for the Kings, but shouldn’t have his number retired here.
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KingMe20 Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
@Timoteo,
That’s exactly how I feel as well.
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For Christ’s sake NO!
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Retiring jersey numbers is useless wanking, IMHO.
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Short answer: NO WAY!
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YES! YES! YES!
From a statistical stand point, Blake is one of the greatest defensemen in Kings history. As a player he is respected league wide, and generally regarded as one of the best d-men in the game. Regardless of why he left, those facts don’t change.
The biggest reason I think it should be retired, is respect from the players— Scuderi said he took #7 this year because ALL other low numbers were taken, but no one wears #4– I would assume Scuderi didn’t want to wear it out of respect, or was told it was unavailable because the Kings planned to retire it.
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This is about what he did on the ice while wearing a Kings uniform – nothing else. By that standard, there is no question his jersey goes on the wall.
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OK, here’s the chickenbleep way out– let Blake get his Hall of Fame induction first. See whose sweater he chooses for enshrinement pics, etc. If it’s other than a Kings sweater, the heck with putting his #4 up next to the others. (and yes I already recognize that rule didn’t apply to Gretzky, but that’s a very different situation).
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So I guess that we should hang JR’s jersey next?! Blake does not represent what this organization is all about.
NEVER!!!
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Dan H. Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
@McCheese,
Someone went out on a pretty thin limb to come up with THAT comparison.
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Traded For a Pick Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 9:23 am
@Dan H.,
On a lighter note, JR was crying on national TV so I think everyone kinda comes out a winner in that one. Well, besides JR
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I think a good way to look at this question is by observing the Brett Favre debacle the last few years. If you asked most Packer fans, I’m guessing they would still retire Favre’s jersey because of what he meant to that franchise and to the NFL. That doesn’t mean that he hasn’t pissed all over his image the last few years based on how he turned on the Packer franchise.
I also personally wanted to take a shower when Orel Hershiser finished his career with the Giants. But I wouldn’t hold it against him if he were ever inducted into the Hall of Fame. He would be inducted as a Dodger.
I don’t know whether Blake’s stats were good enough to warrant the Kings retiring his jersey, but if they were,it would be good enough for me and I would look beyond any hard feelings.
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BluLiner Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
@Joel,
If Blake won a Stanley Cup with the Kings, I would probably agree.
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Obviously there are supporters and no supporters. But the real answer to this question: it is up to the management. If they decide yes than number 4 will be retired. Now the real question is: would you boo Blake during the retirement ceremony if it will take place. I am sure there will be people who will boo while the jersey will be going up. But do we know any player in NHL who was booing during his jersey retirement? Who want to be such player? And what he would feel ?
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No brainer for me. Not even close. A big no. That is a huge drop in talent from the other King’s retired jerseys.
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I think Blake is a complete jerk for trying to earn the most money possible during his short professional sports career.
I can’t imagine someone going to work for a competitor just because they would get paid millions of dollars more than their current company, err team. What a total a-hole.
Oh wait…I forgot this is America, and that’s what we all do.
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Barrie G Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
@Johnny Utah,
Well said. Who doesn’t want the financial security for their family and their future?
And when Blake left for SJ for a better shot at a Cup it was no different then Luc going to Detroit for the same reasons.
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Garrett Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
@Barrie G, yeah because there is no financial security in making 6mil a year but there is in 9mil. What a load of crap.
Also, there is a huge difference between Luc and Blake. Blake demanded a trade and it was for money, not a Cup. Luc tried to stay in LA bu the team wouldn’t offer him a contract, they told him to go negotiate elsewhere and they’d maybe match what he could get, but he was too honorable to do that so he went to Detroit.
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SDGolfer Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
@Johnny Utah, Thanks. I was gonna post the same thing. I’ll never fault a guy for trying to what’s right for him and his family.
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tullskull Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 11:34 am
@Johnny Utah,
Guy’s do you remember or know of Blake’s actions off the ice during that year prior to the trade?
If you think Blake was concerned about providing for his family you are sadly mistaken. That had nothing to do with it.
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havent read all the arguments but i love the one where people are pissed because he wouldnt leave the team during the trade deadline…??? hahah what happen to signing with a team and finishig. Stop crying cuz he didnt leave so we could get prospects. didnt we cry about him wanting to leave the team the first time?!?!?!?
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No, no, no.
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I love Rob Blake, but retiring his number? No. To me, retiring a number is akin to a sensational player who gave his entire career to one organization (or maybe two). Dave Taylor – yes. Rob, no.
Best of luck in retirement (if that’s truly the case).
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The only other jersey number at this point that can be considered other than Blake is Butch Goring. And, IMO, Goring deserves it more…far more. However, if the Kings have decided to move on when it comes to Goring then Blake’s number should be skipped.
Why not wait until a player actually wins a CUP with the Kings? IMO, the Kings have retired too many jerseys as it is given their history.
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Butch Goring deserves it way before Blake
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Traded For a Pick Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 9:26 am
@forumblueandgold,
I would say Goring, McSorely, and Norstrom before Blake. Least they cared about their team
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He should replace Hardy as the D coach.
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yes, retire his number. he played the kings only cup finals, won a norris, and was the captain of the team for years.
he was traded the first time, and not offered a deal the second time. doesn’t diminish that he was the clear spokesperson of the team for quite some time.
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Rob Blake was always my favorite king. When he left for Colorado i had no bad blood. the Kings couldnt afford him. When he returned i was stoked. he talked about retiring as a king, finishing his career as a king, helping build the franchise and someday working within the organization. then… a choice… $4M from the Kings or $5M from the sharks? it was all about money not his legacy. He doesn’t deserve it. Retire and go away Blake. you clearly showed LA that money was more important than your legacy as a king!!!
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BluLiner Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
@DY,
I agree DY, if he stayed the second time, its a whole different story. He was helping JMFJ and looked destined to be involved in the front office. Then he made the short term decision to take the money. Long term, I hope it bites him back now.
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They way I remember Blake leaving was that DL didnt have an offer ready on July 1 and ask Blake to wait a bit, he didnt want to wait and signed with the Sharks. I say NO, good player but would never tatoo “Kings” on his butt. Luc would and probably did. DD will too.
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I think the Kings planned on retiring the #4 jersey all along. That’s why Scuderi had to change his number from 4 to 7. They did not save #4 for Hickey. If they did he would not be sporting #37. Like Blake or not. He was the Captain of the Kings. Norris Trophy winner. Part of the Kings history. I think the Kings planned retiring his number long time ago.
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I was a big fan of Rob Blake. He was a great LA King player.
He left to go to Colorado for very little more than the Kings would have paid. He left because he wanted to win the Stanley Cup and would not stay with the Kings to do so.
He was a great NHL hockey player and deserves HOF honors, but he does not, in my judgment deserve to have his Kings jersey retired, because he failed the loyalty test.
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Doughty.Norris Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 10:32 am
@Silence Dogood,
I could have sworn Blake was TRADED the first time for Adam Deadmarsh and Aaron Miller…. a trade that worked out well for both teams!!
Why is everyone saying Blake ” LEFT FOR MORE MONEY” the first time????
People need to get their facts straight. I voted Yes
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luke20 Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
@Doughty.Norris, He was traded because he didn’t want to resign with the Kings.
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No, don’t do it.
His performance during his second tenure here was at best apathetic. Yes there are players that went somewhere else (e.g. Dionne, Robitaille), but when they played here their performance was respectable.
The poll results, 75% no votes, say it all.
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Interesting that so many here feel that Blake is not a ‘Kings through and through.’
Perhaps the reason you feel so strongly about Blake is that you feel betrayed. If you feel betrayed, that would mean that for many years you felt he contributed quite a bit to the team and simply cannot come to terms with his decision to move on.
Did Dionne, Taylor, Luc or Gretzky bring the cup to L.A.? — no, yet they contributed a lot to the teams that played on. Shouldn’t that also be applicable to Blake?
Now having said that, I’m pretty ambivalent about it. My gauge? What do I think of when I think of a Kings jersey and the number 4? I kind of draw a blank frankly. 99, 16, 18, 20, the names and the faces pop out at me, but 4? Not to denigrate his accomplishments, but sorry.
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number 6 Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
@dMan,
That does it then. Just read your comments and decided that I’ve created my comments based on your comments. Yup. You said it really well.
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I just skipped to the bottom to write this so my apologies if it has already been said BUT
Rich, there needs to be a third option,
HELL NO!!!!
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number 6 Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
@Matt George,
hahahaha
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Amazing to me how all these Blake haters loved him when he was in a Kings sweater.
And speaking of a Kings sweater, what if Blake choses to go into the Hockey Hall of Fame wearing Kings colors? After all he did spend the majority of his career in LA and won his only Norris trophy as a King. Would all you Blake haters stick to your guns then?
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Barrie G Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
@Paul From Oxnard,
Well said, bravo.
I just said basically the same thing up further in this thread in a reply at someone. Whined when he was gone, cheered when he was here.
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Matt George Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
@Paul From Oxnard,
All I got so see of Blake in a Kings uniform was a guy routinely giving up on games.
During his last stint with the Kings he never once led this team.
He must have impressed the hell out of those in favor during his first stint with the Kings because, during those last years before San Jose, if you saw anything more than an old man farting dust… well… I’ll just leave it at that.
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LB Reply:
June 11th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
@Matt George
You didn’t watch the Kings in the 90′s? Sorry but it doesn’t seem that you can form a fair opinion, since that’s the period of time that he was at his best and would have earned the jersey retirement.
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I have one long word for Blake… BBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
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The Norris things was really cool, especially considering it’s the only one a Kings player has ever one. He was a very good player for us and was part of some good times but he just didn’t do enough while here to justify having the number retired. So I’d have to say “No” but wouldn’t be hugely upset if they did.
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King’s fan’s, don’t ever bother looking to the ice for # 4 again.
Look up and get over it.
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Matt George Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
@Barrie G,
Does Toys-R-Us make a 100 ft streaming squirt gun?
If his number gets retired I will move my season seats as close to that jersey as possible and shoot ink on it….
every … single … game.
or at least once before they kick me out and never let me back.
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USCG Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
@Matt George, I’ll give you a boost on my shoulders if it helps bro!
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Barrie G Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
@Matt George, @USCG,
Both of you, thanks for the chuckle. Seriously, that was an entertaining visual.
A grown man on another’s shoulders with a ink-filled super soaker spraying a banner inside a sports stadium. Classic.
I say NO !!!!!!
Yes he had some really good years with the kings and he did win the Norris as a King.
But to have his number hanging form the wall at Staples not even close.
So should we automatically retire Drew’s number if he wins the Norris? Having your number retired by a team is a great honor and should only be for the players whom really exemplified the team history and spirit.
Sorry Flakey but I say thumbs down !!!!
Drew keep it up and your number will be on the wall right next to LUC.
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I am leaning towards no, but not because of the money. It should be about someone who transcends the game, on and off the ice. He was close, but not quite. Of course, Dean could make it easy by giving Hickey #4 and retiring #37 for Bob Kudelski!
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I loved Blake,while he was here.It’s unfortunate that a lot of people are taking this opportunity to bag on the guy.
I voted no,only for the fact that it should be a no brainer.If you have to argue,than it’s not unanimus.When I look up,I want names that are so loved by the fans that you don’t even need to ask whether they deserve to be there,or not.
Blakes services were great,but compared to Lucky,and Taylor,he’s just another player who played for us.
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I wouldn’t be surprised if his number wasn’t retired… I wouldn’t be surprised if it were.
But as I’ve said plenty of times on this topic before, Rob Scuderi wore #4 with PIT when he won the Cup, right before joining us.
Yes, I know he also wore #45 and #5 with PIT before #4, but I HAVE to think there was some reason why he switched to #7.
That could be one of two things: 1) The Kings plan to retire his number, or 2) The Kings aren’t sure whether they should or not.
I don’t believe it was because #7 wasn’t available for Scuderi in PIT; A few players wore it during his stint, but Mark Eaton wore #3 for PIT before changing to #7 a couple seasons ago.
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Something tells me 13,500 people Booing and screaming buck flake will outweigh the other 4,500.
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Are the Kings going to retire Craig Johnson’s jersey as well. He won just as much in LA as Blake. How about Bob Kudelski or Tim Watters? Blake was paid millions of dollars to make the Kings a winner. When he really had a chance to take a hometown discount he bolted for SJ. If he had gone to the east I would have been okay with it because the travel is so much easier. To leave for the Sharks is just a disgrace and he should never be recognized by the Kings organization ever again. He sucks.
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No for me since I believe being loyal to the team is just as important as excelling on the ice. Didn’t he threaten to step down as team captain when the contract negotiations were going badly(while the Kings were in a heated playoff race)? Up to that point I was actually on his side, but to put yourself before the team like that is just unforgivable. Also, he eventually signed a contract with the Avs that was a little more than what the Kings offered which was another slap to the face. He could have tried to make amends the 2nd time around by accepting less money to play a secondary role in helping to mentor the kids, but decided to bolt for more money. Just goes to show where his loyalty lies.
Anyway, I think it all depends on if he makes it into the HOF(which is no sure thing… look at Phil Housley). If he does, then it’s almost certain his number will be retired. If Patrick Roy can go back and get his number retired in Montreal then anyone can. If not, maybe the team can create an honorable mention section in the team LA store and hang his number there
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btw, if his number is retired, I wonder how many fans will be booing him during the ceremony?
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NO and this is why
Blake Relinquishes Captaincy in Middle of Contract Dispute – September 12, 2000
The rift between the Kings and Rob Blake has gotten so bad that the star defenseman has voluntarily relinquished his captaincy.
Dave Taylor, the Kings’ general manager, said Blake approached club officials prior to the Kings’ first exhibition game a week ago in Phoenix and his request was honored.
“The Kings’ first priority is to keep Rob Blake in a King uniform for the foreseeable future,” said Taylor in a statement.
The statement was prompted by a report by Bob McKenzie of the Sports Network (TSN) of Canada on the television network’s Web site.
The Kings said they have made Blake, who will become a unrestricted free agent next summer, a lucrative offer. According to TSN’s McKenzie, the Kings have offered a three-year extension averaging about $7 1/2 million a year, but that Blake balked at that because the Kings expected him to play this season at his set salary of $5.25 million.
McKenzie reported that Blake gave up his captaincy after the Kings suggested they might trade him if he didn’t agree to a new contract.
“In light of his refusal and the fact that Rob will become an unrestricted free agent when his contract expires on July 1, 2001, we must assess the long-term impact that Rob’s decision will have on the club,” Taylor said in the statement. –
The “C” Stands For Conflict – September 22nd, 2000
“It’s nothing that couldn’t be settled,” Blake said. “I always wanted to stay here. That’s always been my first choice.”
The veiled threat of a trade is what led Blake to resign his captaincy and give up the “C” patch on his uniform, something he coveted.
“I take a lot of pride and responsibility in being the captain, and when you are told you might not be around for the whole season, it’s extremely difficult to do the job,” he said. “Rather than it being a distraction later on in the season, it’s best that someone take it on now.”
Since negotiations began in August, the Kings have made two offers to extend Blake’s contract, which will pay him $5,267,500 this season. The first was believed to be for five years at an average of $6 million per year. The second was believed to be three years at an average of $7.5 million per.
It was accompanied by an ultimatum, Blake said.
“The way it was outlined was either ‘take this or leave it,’ and I’m not going to take it,” Blake said.
Blake Says Trade Will Not Be Easy for Kings; Hockey: Defenseman wants no part of long-term deal with another team this season.- December 23rd, 2000
Rob Blake is for rent.
Not for sale.
Trade for him at your own risk, because he isn’t going to help the issue by agreeing to stay with your team one day beyond this season.
“I don’t want to leave,” said the Kings’ captain Friday night after he scored and had two assists in their 4-3 loss to Minnesota at Xcel Energy Center.
“It’s going to be real difficult to trade me because I won’t sign a contract. First and foremost I want to [sign with the Kings and] stay here. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll wait until summertime. I’ll wait until July 1 to see where I want to go.”
Blake is earning $5.267 million in the final season of a three- year contract. He can be an unrestricted free agent after the season.
The specter of a trade has hung over him since training camp, when he spurned a Kings’ “best, final” deal of about $21.5 million for three seasons. At that time, he resigned his captaincy, saying it didn’t make sense to lead a team he might be leaving during the season. He reconsidered when Coach Andy Murray left the job open and Blake realized that he was the King captain whether he wore the “C” or not.
He put it back on. How long he keeps it on depends on how long he keeps the sweater.
“The only thing I can control is on the ice,” Blake said.
It’s also the only place he can forget what about his employment status is for now.
“I think about it every day off the ice,” he said. “Off the ice it bothers me, I won’t kid you about that. But when I put on the jersey, it’s the same as it’s always been. I play to win.”
His goal at 5:23 of the third period Friday night forged a 1-1 tie with the Wild that lasted only 41 seconds, until a defensive mistake by winger Jason Blake allowed Sergei Krivokrasov to skate in free on goalie Jamie Storr and bang in a rebound.
“The next shift, we had a goal scored on us,” Murray said of the lost momentum. “. . . It was the next shift after a goal, usually the most important shifts of the game.”
From there, it was a case of trying to catch up, futilely as it turned out. Jim Dowd’s goal made it 3-1, tempered when Ian Laperriere rebounded a Mattias Norstrom shot to cut the King deficit to 3-2.
Stacy Roest’s goal, scored over a prone Storr, proved to be the game-winner. Bryan Smolinski’s score with 41 seconds to play made it closer.
It was the fourth loss in a row for the Kings, and the question of losing their captain is on everyone’s mind as they break for Christmas before reassembling for a game Tuesday night against San Jose.
“It’s tough,” said Luc Robitaille, himself in contract talks with the Kings. “He’s one of the three best players in the league. Players are talking about it. It’s natural.”
Blake will be there to face San Jose. In the holiday spirit, in a deal negotiated by the NHL Players’ Assn., there is a trade moratorium until Dec. 27.
After that, it’s anybody’s guess. Dave Taylor, the Kings’ senior vice president and general manager, would presumably handle the deal, and he is scheduled to leave the country next Friday to scout players in Russia.
The issues:
* will any team take a risk on Blake without the assurance of a long-term contract?
* will any team meet the Kings’ demands, which presumably would be high?
* and how high can those demands be if the risk that they will lose him to free agency in July becomes greater?
“I think it gives them two choices,” Blake said.
“They can let me play here and then lose me in the summer, which they’re not going to do. Or they can trade me and get something for me.”
As usual, the Kings would not comment. Nor would they comment on reports that Toronto and the New York Rangers are seeking Blake’s services.
Ron Salcer, Blake’s agent, said that he has not been contacted by another team seeking to sign Blake long-term, something he would expect as a prelude to a deal.
In Blake’s mind, the issue was forced early this week in a meeting involving Taylor; Tim Leiweke, the Kings’ president; Salcer and Blake.
At that time, Blake and Salcer were apparently told that the Kings could not or would not meet their price, which figures to be about $8-10 million a season.
“We agreed to disagree,” said Salcer, who left the meeting with an idea that more talks were possible.
Blake left it with another impression.
“It’s a tough year,” he said. “But I can live with [a trade] now.”‘
Blake Situation Appears Bleak – December 27th, 2000
With no sign of a happy resolution to his stalled contract talks, defenseman Rob Blake on Tuesday considered the notion he may have played his last game as a King.
“It crosses your mind many times,” he said. “But at the same time, you have to go out and play and let things play out. It doesn’t really affect too much what I do on the ice.”
Blake said nothing has changed since last week, when talks with General Manager Dave Taylor and King President Tim Leiweke left a financial chasm. Blake, who will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time July 1, turned down a three-year, $22.5-million offer and is believed to want a deal similar to the three-year, $29.5- million extension St. Louis defenseman Chris Pronger signed in October. Blake said last week he believed the Kings will trade him; the NHL’s holiday trade moratorium ends at midnight tonight.
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“It comes down to a business decision, and we can live with that,” said Blake, who repeated he won’t sign an extension if he is traded because he wants to test the free-agent market. “We all knew what the situation would be three years ago.”
Taylor said he spoke Tuesday with Blake’s agent, Ron Salcer, but Taylor wouldn’t discuss the details. Nor would he say if he’s willing to amend the club’s supposed “final” offer.
“There are no real changes in the situation,” Taylor said. “Trade rumors or possible trade scenarios are something I’m not going to discuss. There are a lot of potential free agents July 1. We have four: Rob, Luc Robitaille, Stu Grimson and Bob Corkum.”
Blake, who won the Norris Trophy in 1997-98 and is the career scoring leader among King defensemen, said he wished the talks had gone better. “I’d never say it wasn’t disappointing,” he said. “But until something happens, I have to keep playing. If you let it affect you, that’s the wrong thing. We’ve got to win some games.”
Coach Andy Murray addressed the team Tuesday morning about the distraction the impasse has caused, cautioning players to remain focused on climbing back into a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference. Murray also wondered aloud why Blake’s situation had become public, while those of impending free agents Joe Sakic and Patrick Roy of Colorado had not become hot topics.
“They’ve kept it quiet, and that’s kind of what was anticipated here, too,” Murray said. “I’m not party to those discussions with Rob. . . . I went through our lineup this morning and checked off who it might be a distraction for. I told them we’ve got a job to do, one way or another.”
Blake said when he predicted he would be traded, he merely was responding to questions about his status, not trying to force the issue.
“What I said is true. I have no regrets whatsoever,” said Blake, probably the Kings’ most recognizable and popular player. “I’m going to tell the truth and that’s exactly what happened. It was a productive meeting. We found out on both sides what’s going to happen.”
Fans who don’t understand why he’s willing to leave haven’t been privy to what has been said by King executives, he said.
“I’ve enjoyed my time here and I’d love to spend more time here,” said Blake, who said he will keep a home in Southern California if he’s traded. “I’ve been fortunate to play 10, 11 years in the same spot. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll be sad. Both sides have to make it work out.” – Helene Elloitt -
Directive to Taylor: Time to Unload Blake – Feb 21, 2001
King General Manager Dave Taylor was ordered to trade Rob Blake after a meeting in Minnesota last week involving Blake, Taylor and club President Tim Leiweke failed to produce an agreement that would entice the Norris Trophy-winning defenseman to sign a new contract.
No deal is set, but Taylor’s talks with fellow general managers have intensified and could result in a deal within a week. The Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche, who would become Stanley Cup favorites if they added Blake, are among the most ardent suitors.
“We’ve had discussions, but I don’t want to put a time frame on it or say anything is imminent,” said Taylor, who flew to Edmonton on Tuesday. “I don’t want to speculate [how many teams are involved]. We’ve all been aware for a while this was happening.”
Blake, eligible for free agency after this season, is not likely to be part of a deal between Philadelphia and Toronto for center Eric Lindros.
Taylor was told to make the best deal possible, even if it means trading Blake within the Western Conference–which could harm the Kings’ playoff chances.
Blake is not with the Kings, although his absence is unrelated to his contract standoff. He left the team Monday because of a family illness but is expected to fly to Calgary for Thursday’s game.
Leiweke said a trade is inevitable before the March 13 deadline.
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“This is an ownership decision, and I think Dave agrees,” he said. “We are left with no alternative. I believe this will work out to our benefit. We can spend less money on one individual and fill more holes, and we have some holes to fill.”
Leiweke said during all-star weekend that the Kings wouldn’t meet Blake’s price of $9.6 million a season because they can’t devote a quarter of their budget to one player. The payroll is about $37 million, including the approximately $820,000 they added by acquiring goalie Felix Potvin last week.
Chris Pronger of the Blues set a standard for elite defensemen when he signed an extension worth $29.5 million over three years, an average of more than $9.8 million a year. Pronger is 26 and Blake is 31, and Pronger last season was voted the NHL’s most valuable player. Each has won the Norris Trophy.
“We’ve had several meetings with Blake directly in the last 10 days,” said Leiweke, who joined Taylor last Thursday in St. Paul, Minn., to meet with Blake. “The intent was to find common ground. We did not. The tone of the conversations was much better, and we were happy about that.
“[Blake] has worked hard to be in the position of dictating where he wants to be. He puts high value on free agency, and it is evident to us it is his intent to test the market. We made some creative proposals, with bonuses and more. . . . We were hoping our compromise would win the day. Since it’s evident it won’t, there’s no reason to wait.”
However, Blake’s agent, Ron Salcer, characterized the offer as “not better than anything we’ve heard before.” Salcer was not at that meeting, but he said Blake told him about it, as Blake previously has done when approached directly.
“We definitely disagree, and it hasn’t changed at all,” Salcer said.
Salcer also said he had not spoken to other clubs about a new contract for Blake, who has said he won’t give up his chance to become an unrestricted free agent July 1. That declaration may depress Blake’s market value because teams are reluctant to “rent” a player if they know he will leave without compensation.
But as an impact player on offense and defense, Blake is an exception. He’s especially attractive to teams that feel they are close to winning the Cup and can afford to spend about $1 million on him this season. Blake will earn $5.267 million, but his new team will pay only a prorated portion, depending on when it assumes his contract.
Leiweke would not detail the offer presented last week.
“We’ve moved enormously since last September,” he said, referring to an offer believed to be worth $8 million a season. “I’m proud of Dave.
“Is this a great situation to be in? No. But we’re doing the right thing. I’m very confident now we’ve done everything we can. I’m comfortable with the fact that other than us agreeing to his terms, there was not a deal to be done.”
Helene Elliott
Fallout of Trade Still to Come; News analysis: Kings can’t afford to make any mistakes with their new assets. – February 23rd, 2001
Rob Blake was stoic almost to the end. But when the bus prepared to leave for the Kings’ morning skate without him Thursday and he had to say farewell to Luc Robitaille, his composure crumbled.
Slowly, the two most familiar and accomplished Kings walked through the team’s hotel, tears spilling down Blake’s face and Robitaille’s eyes misting. “We’re all a little bit shocked,” Robitaille said. “Somehow, I don’t think I believed it was going to happen.”
Nor did Mattias Norstrom, Blake’s frequent defense partner. “Everybody knows I’m probably the guy who benefited most from playing with him,” Norstrom said. “The player he is, he took my game to another level.
“It’s really a sad day.”
Although Blake’s exit was emotional, his tears had dried by the time he and rookie center Steven Reinprecht climbed into a taxi that took them to the corporate jet bound for Denver and their new Colorado Avalanche teammates. And certainly, there’s no reason to cry for Blake.
He leaves a team that might miss the playoffs and won’t win the Stanley Cup this year or next and he goes to the NHL’s top team. As the premier defensemen among the unrestricted free agents available July 1, he will command a king’s ransom–if not a King’s.
“I’m fortunate to go to one of the best teams in the league, so in that aspect, I’m real excited,” said the Kings’ former captain, who held fast to his demand for $9.6 million a year and sealed his departure when he rejected a bonus-laden offer last week. “You can’t ask for a better team. You look at the league, and Colorado, St. Louis and New Jersey are the best teams.
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“It’s not difficult at all [to leave]. I’ve known it was going to happen since Day One.
The longer it dragged out, the worse it got. There’s no animosity. . . . L.A.’s been great for me. They gave me my start in the league. I spent a lot of time there and met a lot of people. It was a great opportunity to play and start a career, and it was tough to give that up, but I don’t think [a new deal] was ever going to come together. I knew from the beginning we were too far apart. It was a business decision.”
Even in hockey, that last bastion of civil players, moderate egos and contracts worth less than a franchise, business trumps sentimentality. As much as General Manager Dave Taylor wanted to keep Blake, he had to make a business deal. Owner Philip Anschutz didn’t become a multibillionaire by being stupid. He bought the Kings probably more to build an arena and develop the nearby real estate than because he loves hockey, but he has a right to limit the amount of money he will lose and he balked at paying Blake more than $8 million, which would have been a quarter of the payroll.
Taylor was told to get what he could, which was right wing Adam Deadmarsh, defense-minded defenseman Aaron Miller, a first-round pick in the June entry draft, the right to select a player from a group of non-NHL or AHL prospects (excluding Colorado’s 2000 first- round pick, Vaclav Nedorost) and a 2002 first-round pick if Blake re- signs with Colorado or a second-rounder if he doesn’t. That’s more than what seemed likely when Blake put Taylor at a disadvantage by insisting he won’t sign with his new team, narrowing the field to teams willing to risk renting him.
The key will be what the Kings do with those draft picks and that prospect. Their developmental system has hardly been fruitful, but they can’t afford to make a mistake with these assets.
“The deal we received from the Avalanche was in the best interest of the Los Angeles Kings, both for the immediate future and down the road,” said Taylor, who negotiated with about half a dozen teams. “The more quality people we bring to the organization, the more good young players we bring in, that’s where we’re going to have our success. This does free up some money in our budget and allows us to be active between now and the [March 13] trade deadline and this summer.”
Reinprecht, 24, started the season impressively but tailed off. However, Colorado General Manager Pierre Lacroix, who has a sharp eye for talent, asked for Reinprecht, perhaps envisioning him as part of a swing toward youth after Colorado wins the Cup and lets its pricey veterans walk away.
Blake is an elite player, a cornerstone defenseman, a protector for Peter Forsberg–the kind of player teams rarely give up.
Deadmarsh and Miller are not at that level. Deadmarsh is admirably gritty, but his willingness to go to the net and use his body have contributed to a string of injuries that has reduced his production. A 33-goal scorer in 1996-97, he scored 22, 22 and 18 the last three seasons and had 13 in 39 games with Colorado this season, most recently on the third line. For the Kings, he will be a top- six forward.
“Acquiring Adam and Aaron fill two slots on our team,” Taylor said. “It adds a little bit of balance.”
Deadmarsh, 25, has two seasons left on a contract that will pay him $2.5 million this season. Miller will earn $900,000 and will be a restricted free agent July 1.
Miller joined the Kings for Thursday’s game at Calgary, but Deadmarsh stayed in Denver with his infant twin daughters, who have been in intensive care since their birth Feb. 9. He said he hopes to play Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Staples Center.
He wept after being told of the trade Wednesday, but by Thursday his mood improved. Or he had rehearsed his lines better. “It hit home pretty hard,” he said, “but I had time to think overnight, and I’m real excited.”
The Kings will go on without Blake, as they went on after Marcel Dionne and Wayne Gretzky were traded. “There are 29 other teams that don’t have Rob,” Robitaille said, “and they win games.”
The Kings have no excuses left. Taylor might make another move or two, but the cloud of uncertainty that enveloped them has been lifted. They didn’t win with Blake–now they must try to win without him. That’s asking a lot for a team that so far has shown so little. –
Blake Wants to Stay – February 18th, 2008
“I want to stay here and remain a King,” said Blake, who will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. “I stressed that with them and talked about the plans of the Kings and the future and a lot of different things. That was it.”
Blake also said he would like to remain with the Kings once his playing career is over, possibly in a front-office position.
“You’re going to read a lot of stuff,” Blake said to the Times. “Nothing has changed on my part. I expressed my feelings to stay here again and do what I wanted to do when I came here two years ago.
“My goals have been, two years ago, to sign here, to finish here. And to do something here, and that hasn’t changed. If it takes two more years, three more years, or five years, I hope I’m involved somehow with that process.”
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chuck rocks Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
@Pitty, wow thats the only reason?j/k
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tullskull Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 11:52 am
@Pitty,
Thanks Pitty. Bringing all that back to the surface has basically ruined my lunch break though!
and oh yea, BOOOOOOO
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Howe 9 Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
@Pitty,
Congratulations on the longest post ever on Kings Insider!
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If they retire Blake’s sweater,I will be sure not to go to that game
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Chiming in…
Now THIS is a question I wished I would have asked Luc! LOL! Oh Well….
Rob Blake was a better than average NHL player. No doubt. Stats really don’t lie unless they’re +/-, and even that doesn’t always lie. Will he make the HOF? I don’t know. Rob Blake had consistent numbers and had moments when he was a dominate force on the blueline. Moments….
Go to Wikipedia and compare Blake’s stats to HOFer Brian Leetch’s stats:
-Leetch had 251 more points than Blake in 65 LESS games
-All-Star Games: Leetch – 10, Blake – 6
-Norris Trophys: Leetch – 2, Blake – 1
-Calder Trophys: Leetch – 1, Blake – 0
-Stanley Cups: Leetch – 1, Blake – 1
-Conn/Smythe Awards: Leetch – 1, Blake – 0
-Leetch has more assists (781)Than Blake has points (777).
-Leetch is listed as #71 of the top 100 NHL players of all time by The Hockey News. Blake is not listed. There are 23 Defenseman on the list. They are:
2.Bobby Orr
6.Doug Harvey
10.Eddie Shore
14.Ray Bourque
19.Denis Potvin
23.Red Kelly
25.Larry Robinson
29.Paul Coffey
40.Chris Chelios
41.Dit Clapper
43.Tim Horton
49.Brad Park
52.King Clancy
55.Busher Jackson
59.Pierre Pilote
71.Brian Leetch
72.Earl Seibert
74.Borje Salming
81.Serge Savard
88.Sprague Cleghorn
96.Babe Pratt
97.Jack Stewart
99.Bill Gadsby
Now The Hockey News is a pretty reputable publication, although they have Eric Lindros listed at #54 and Joe Sakic at #94 (Another conversation), but nonetheless, was Rob Blake better than any of these listed Defenseman? Some you’d have to research based on their time period, but from the ones I recognize, not even close. Some of these guys listed are not even in the HOF.
Let’s take Eric Lindros for example. He’s #54 on this list, but not a hall of famer. He’s on this list more for the mark he left on the game as “One of the first big men with little man skill” as Bobby Clarke once mentioned, yet he’s not in the HOF.(By the way, his jersey isn’t retired by the Flyers either)
What is Rob Blake’s mark on the game? This is what I see as a fundamental difference between a HOFer like leetch & Rob Blake.
Now what is Rob Blake’s mark on the KINGS? Compare your thought to the mark left by each one of the retired jerseys on the wall of Staples and it doesn’t hold a candle to them.
That is my reasoning for voting NO. I didn’t like the way he handled himself while he was here and when he left both times. I had issues with his time as captain. All those are personal things. I based my NO vote on his ACCOMPLISHMENTS alone.
Rob Blake was a better than average NHL defenseman who was an asset to whatever team he played for STATISTICALLY. I don’t know him as a person, so why would I judge that? His fellow players liked him. I don’t think he handled professional situations all that well sometimes, but that could be said about a LOT of people.
He’s not worthy of a jersey in the rafters. Besides that, it is supposed to be a place of honor for players who make the team better in ALL areas so that when fans look up at his number, they remember the greatness. If Blake’s number is raised to the rafters at Staples, the only thing I’ll remember when I look at it is the boos. Just another reason I just don’t think it belongs. It would be out of place IMHO.
BTW, I loved this statement: “(Blake)he’s the only Norris Trophy winner in Kings franchise history”…
Yeah, until June 23rd…..GO DREW!
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Buster Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
@Cynic,
“Now what is Rob Blake’s mark on the KINGS?”
Uh, about the same mark a dog leaves on a fire hydrant?
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quisp Reply:
June 9th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
@Cynic,
That was great.
I agree 100%.
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I couldn’t care less.
The Blake-era Kings were an embarrassment and the ownership was MIA.
Great player, but never reached the heights in LA.
Just Move On.
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Nope… do not retire Blake’s number. Please.
The only thing worse would be to bring him back as a coach or “advisor” or whatever. It was lame enough to stomach the whole JR-gument schtick this season, I don’t want to see a Blake-the-flake circus act next season either. Pass.
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no…
one word…that’s all…
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Let the Avs or Sharts retire his Number.
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Retire Jim Foxes number not Flakes.
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I’m going to have to clean up my answer to HELL NO TO BUCK FLAKE!.
Retire HICKEY’S number after 15-20 years, Retire Foxy’s number, but not that flake.
Even Simmer deserves to have his number retired, but can we make that a dual retirement after Kopi retires?
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NO,NO, NO!!!!!!!!!! There are two NHL players I despise…Blake and Pronger. If the Kings do decide to hsng his sweater , I would suggest that those of us who think this is an honor which he does not deserve, walk out or don’t take your seat until this ignominious ceremony is over!!!
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I had taken my disabled child to a Kings game for the first time. He and I were huge kings fan. At the end of the game we waited outside of the players tunnel (back at the Forum) and Rob Blake was going out the tunnel. We approached him and asked for an autograph. Rob saw my son and started asking him questions like his name, age, etc. Rob spent a good 20 minutes with my son. When we drove home that night, my son was gushing about the time he spent with Rob. It was undoubtly one of his best experiences. My son to this day speaks about that night.
Yes, to honoring Rob Blake.
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Michael J Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
@john, I like what Blake did for you and your son; it shows a great example of good character.
I have a similar story to yours: It was after a game in 1991 that my seven year old son and I met Brian Benning outside the tunnel. We talked for a while about the game and about my son’s hockey team. Brian even went as far as to give my son a puck.
Most hockey players are the best guys. Nonetheless, being a nice guy does not qualify one for the HOP of to have his jersey retired by any given team.
P.S. Benning outscored Blake during his stint in LA.
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Michael J Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
@Michael J, *HOF
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deadcatbounce Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
@Michael J, Brian Benning is a good guy. He was supposed to do a card-signing for the Blues when he found that he got traded to Los Angeles. Instead of skipping the signing, as a lot of players might have done, he honored his commitment and signed for the fans.
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I vote NO on retiring his number and putting his name up in the rafters.
Quite frankly I don’t want to discuss Blake’s tumultuous time with the Kings nor talk about him when the Kings have such a bright future ahead of them. Only thing I want to see hanging up in the rafters is some more Conference titles, Cup banners etc.
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I won’t say never ever. But as of right now, no. There’s still a lot of bad feelings towards Blake. Maybe in a few years those feelings will lessen but for now they shouldn’t retire his number. And it’s not a question of whether he deserves it. I just can’t imagine a jersey retirement ceremony where the honoree gets booed.
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I see the only way to retire that jersey would be to have it made 100% out of asbestos, and I think there’s laws against that being used inside buildings now.
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Not going to read everything, just my opinion. His number should go up there. I guess I can see why if not, but it doesn’t change his place in the history of this franchise. He’s arguably the best defenseman to wear the crown and as stated the only King D-man to win the Norris, combined with his stats and what he meant to the team for so long it just seems it belongs there.
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I got a little tired of reading all the BS above so if I’m repeating someone’s take, please forgive me.
I’m not a huge Rob Blake fan, but I am a Kings fan and this guy was the best defenseman this team has EVER had until DD arrived only two years ago.
In his prime, Rob Blake was a HOF player on mostly shitty Kings teams. Not his fault he played for some really bad GM’s as the Kings slowly dismantled this team in the 90′s. He was loyal all those years and won the Norris and played his ass off even after Gretz left. Remember…Gretz asked to leave, so the team granted the great one his wish and the rest is history….oh you all forgot about that one.
Of all the fans in the NHL, Kings fans should understand most that this is a business. We suffered under some terrible owners and management and so did many GREAT players that played for Kings teams over the years including Marcel, Taylor, Luc, Bernie, Blake and the list goes on and on.
These guys were the heart and soul of this team through lean times not of their own making and what did loyalty get them…NOTHING! No rings in LA last time I checked. They get to watch others lift the SC on TV just like we do and wonder what might have been. We’re just fans, that was their dream!
Blake and Luc had to leave LA to win a cup so I don’t understand WTF people are talking about…they couldn’t or weren’t going to win one in LA.
Pull your heads out people and stop whining about the circumstances that made Blake or any other player want to leave…TRUST ME, HAD OWNERSHIP DONE THEIR JOB, BLAKE AND OTHERS WOULD HAVE NEVER LEFT!!!
Blake will be in the HOF someday, and his number deserves to be hanging next to all the other retired players that suffered playing for this team. Lets do our part and make sure these current players get every opportunity to win unlike the jerseys we all see hanging from the rafters now that never had that same chance.
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tullskull Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
@Barry’s Mullet,
Sorry but no Blake was not the heart and soul of the Kings at that time. Guy’s like Lappy and Dan Bylsma were the heart of this team. Were you a King’s fan back then? He did not leave to win the cup either. Did you not read pitty’s post?
A guy like Norstrom who stood in front of the camera night after night having to take the heat for a bad team and not give excuses impressed me much more than Blake, but is was fun to watch him his Norris year.
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Barrie G Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
@tullskull, Blake was here long before either of the aforementioned names…….and playing a helluva game at that.
He was likely the best d-man on the 1993 team that went to the Finals. He was only what then? 22 or 23 years old? The guy was an amazing player for many years. I wonder how many people were Kings fans then? Out of sight out of mind I suppose.
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Barry's Mullet Reply:
June 11th, 2010 at 10:19 am
@tullskull,
Are you seriously comparing Bylsma and Lappy to Blake?
Your bitterness is clouding your judgement and any hockey knowledge you may have. I loved all the character guys who came through LA…the J.P Kelly’s, Terry Ruskowski’s, Phil Sykes, Jay Wells, Tiger Williams, Mike Donnelly’s and the list goes on and on…all came through here but never had a legit shot to win a SC because management didn’t know how to build a winner.
You don’t get to the SC finals with guys like this, you do however win the SC with these type of players and the two you mentioned.
For too many years, the Kings lacked the commitment and the players to even GET to the playoffs yet win a SC. You don’t win a SC filling a roster full of great character players, eventually you need some talent and we witnessed this for too many seasons. Great guys but never the talent to take us to the promised land.
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tullskull Reply:
June 11th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
@Barry’s Mullet, skill wise, of course not. but when I think of heart and soul, Blake is not a player that to me, comes to mind. That was my point in my first reply, and it is now.
Barry's Mullet Reply:
June 11th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
@tullskull,
Heart and soul doesn’t necessarily get your jersey retired with one big exception…LUC!
You are right…Blake was not the heart and soul during his era, just like Gretzky wasn’t during his and both deserve to have their numbers retired. The heart and soul of this team over the last 30 years were Marcel, Taylor and Luc..and all three played together at one point. We need some new heart, lets see if Kopi, DD or JJ have any.
Ho
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LB Reply:
June 11th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
@Barry’s Mullet,
Well said!
If anything it’s the team’s fault for being so crappy for so many years to make him not want to play here for his whole career.
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If you want to retire a man with heart and character retire Norstrom. That guy was a warrior who laid it or for us for over a decade before DL traded him. I think he should have been given a chance to retire a king. DL traded him so he can win the cup (code forsalary dump), But he kept playing to the best of his abilities. You need guys who lead by example and never complain, who have class and play the game hard. No frills no flashy gimmicks, just a man who I have the utmost respect and gratitude having watched play as a king. Blake has less than half the heart and leadership that Norstrom had. Retire the warrior before you ever retire Blake.
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Barrie G Reply:
June 10th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
@Oldthunder, the irony of your post is that Matty Norstrom says he owes everything he learned about playing D and leadership to one Rob Blake………………
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This is an easy “NO”.
Rob Bluke, Put that Coffee Down! Coffee is for closers and you are a loser.
You denied a trade to SJ because of your no-trade clause (we would have got Nabakov!), then subsequently signed with them.
Enjoy retirement, I hope you break a leg surfing in Manhattan Beach, for that’s all you seemed to care about the last few years playing in LA — or better yet — one of those great whites hanging of the shore of socal mistakes you for a seal.
If your jersey is retired, I will be there with a bag on my face and will be booing you throughout.
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Mitch and Murray Reply:
June 11th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
@NY Kings Fan,
Put that coffee down!
Coffee is for closers, only.
You think I’m effing with you?
I am not, effing with you.
I’m here on a mission of mercy.
Once a loser, always a loser.
You call yourself a hockey player?
You are not a hockey player.
Blake is not a closer and doesn’t deserve for his jersey to be retired.
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No stinkin’ way! See Pitty above for the only reason necessary. I remember sitting in section 29 all those years, paying Blake’s full salary, as he played only an average of 55 games per year his first ten full seasons with the Kings.
Some might compare his departure to Colorado to that of Ray Bourque’s. Not even close! Bourque played 21 seasons, good-bad-and ugly, with Boston before he left as a 40 year-old.
He NEVER cared about us, the fans, who actually paid his salary!
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Rob Blake—->BOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
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I imagine a good time to retire Blake’s jersey will be after he’s named to the HHOF.
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Maybe yeah, in a decade or two. But not now, no way.
I say, NEGATORY!
ps. Pitty, Cynic; Nice takes.
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When Blake to go to SJ, the team was intransition and he was near the end of his career. He said in an interview after he sign that he wanted to try and win another cup. He was an URFA. Almost everyone would do the same. With that said, I don’t think they should retire his number.
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Fortunately the Los Angeles Kings don’t base number retirements on a very small minority of a few thousand bitter, online Kings fans.
Geez, is Rob Blake going to make everyone in LA LA land this angry forever? Wow.
You know the saying, the more you talk poorly about a person………..
If Blake is so “hated” how did he make it into the final four of voting on LAKings.com for the most popular King ever? When was that? 07-08 or was it 08-09?
The Kings are going places, and fast, is everyone really going to let # 4 hanging in the rafters get them that down? I hope not because it’s gonna happen.
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I do not care if they do or not hang the 4! I like him but do not love him…
I think they should retire his vollyball #. I think he loved that sport more, I would always see him playing Vollyball on the strand in MB and always wounderd as captian at the time, why as a team C he never took the leader role on the team. Look at Brown he got the team to work out in Aug to get ready for the seaseon not playing volly all day long with his friends and other NHL players. He was a good player but never was the leader to take the team to next level
Brown did what blake could not! think ahout that everyone one of us!
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I agree with alot of people here in terms of loyalty, i think most of the reason alot of people said no was becasue he showed little to no loyalty to this team and seemed like he was only here for the money, not a good captain in my book.
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The Kings seem to want to retire his number, so does Blake, but most of the fans on kings insider say no. I want deadmarsh or plaffy, players that actually had a impact. No way should Blake get a ceremony and his jersey in Staples Center.
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HELL NO!!!!!!!!! Did I say already? HELL NO!
I am still amazed at the fact that Rob Scuderi (fresh of a Stanley Cup win!!!!!!) was denied the number four when he joined the Kings. Are you kidding me?
It’ll be a huge slap in the face for many fans if the Jersey gets retired with Blake’s name on it and Staples Center will be filled with BOOOO’s heard round the world.
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To me, retired jerseys are about history and loyalty. I look up there and tell my kids the story of each of those guys, which provides continuity in the culture of our beloved Kings. So should we place Blakey up in the rafters with the likes of Luc and Marcel?
I can’t see it. As a Ray Borque fan, I still think that the Avs’ retirement of his jersey after only 1-1/2 years an indication of how short-sited and immature their fan-base is (Stanley Cup or no).
I was a huge Rob Blake fan for a very long time. What did he contribute to this team’s history and character over the long term? Is this a story I need to tell when I bring my children and grandchildren to a game?
No.
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Quisp Reply:
June 20th, 2010 at 9:04 am
@BringBackMarcel,
Agreed. I sometimes think disagreements like this are a generational thing. I know that everyone who thinks Blake should be in the hall or should have his number retired are young; i’m not saying that (exactly). But I do wonder if, say you’re in your twenties, and you started being a hockey fan twenty years ago, then Rob Blake is the sum total of your experience of Kings “greatness.” Yes, there’s Luc, but you missed his best years. Ditto Gretzky. Sort of like thinking Wilco is better than the Beatles. Rob Blake is not as good as any of the names in the HoF. He’s good. Great even. But I have a hard time promoting him to the level of Robinson and Orr. Since I experienced Robinson and Orr.
Now you can argue that I’m stuck in the past. I’m not. But you could argue it.
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