Rob Blake moves to NHL front office

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Rob Blake, who played for the Kings, the Sharks and the Avalanche over a 20-year career, is moving to the NHL front office.

The Stanley Cup Champion and Norris Trophy winner is joining the league’s Hockey Operations Department as a manager. According to the NHL announcement, he will work with Colin Campbell and his staff on all aspects of the game and be involved with the Competition Committee and the NHL’s summer Research and Development Camp.

‘Rob Blake wasn’t just one of the greatest defensemen ever to play in the NHL, he was one of the game’s most thoughtful players,’ Campbell said. ‘We plan to rely heavily upon his two decades of playing experience -– particularly his unique understanding of the game as it is being played today.’

Blake, who officially retired from the game last July, made it clear he is happy to return to the game he loves.

‘I am delighted ... at having this opportunity to continue to have an impact upon the game that has been such a major part of my life,’ he said. ‘The chance to continue to enhance an already great on-ice product at the league level is especially intriguing after so many years spent focusing upon individual team success.’

Blake was originally selected by the Kings in the fourth round (70th overall) of the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. He appeared in seven All-Star games and finished his career with 777 points (240 goals, 537 assists) in 1,270 games, which places him 18th all-time among NHL defensemen. His 240 goals rank 10th all-time and his 136 power play goals place him third all-time among blueliners.

-- Debbie Goffa