Sharks sign D Blake San Jose, CA (Sports Network) - The San Jose Sharks signed free agent
defenseman Rob Blake to a one-year contract Thursday. In keeping with club
policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 38-year-old Blake has appeared in 1,127 NHL regular season games with Los
Angeles and Colorado, finishing his 18th career season in 2007-08, recording
nine goals and 31 points in 71 games with Los Angeles.
The Simcoe, Ontario native is tied for fourth among active NHL defensemen and
22nd in NHL history with 702 points, and first among active defensemen
in goals wi... More...
Rob Blake is wanted in Los Angeles, and the team wants him back as long as he understands the role he will be asked to play, according to the Los Angeles Times. "I think it's great if he does want to come back, but I don't think it's fair unless we're exactly on the same page," GM Dean Lombardi said. "The incredible influence that he can have on young players . . . it's critical that he understand the role.
Our View:The team would love the aging Blake to mentor second year defensmen Jack Johnson as well as having him work with youngster Peter Harrold and Alec Martinez. Blake is still worth attention on draft day, but he is no longer an All-Star caliber performer.
