The Los Angeles Kings and General Manager Rob Blake have mutually agreed to part ways, as initially reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and subsequently confirmed by the team. Team President Luc Robitaille will lead the search for Blake’s successor, effective immediately. While an interim GM has not been named, it is anticipated that Robitaille or Director of Hockey Operations Jake Goldberg will handle day-to-day responsibilities. The Kings did not have any assistant GMs under Blake.
Blake’s departure follows the expiration of his contract, which was extended in May 2022 after the Kings ended a three-year playoff drought and pushed the Edmonton Oilers to seven games in the first round. However, LA has since lost four consecutive playoff series, all to Edmonton, and all in the first round. This year’s series was particularly disappointing, as the Kings held a 2-0 lead and home-ice advantage but lost the next four games.
Blake leaves his successor with a favorable salary cap situation. According to PuckPedia, the Kings have over $23 million in cap space this summer with only four roster spots to fill. Their notable pending restricted free agent is winger Alex Laferriere. This provides significant flexibility to extend pending UFA defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov and add scoring depth through trades or free agency.
A Hall-of-Fame defenseman who spent the majority of his playing career in Los Angeles, Blake transitioned to the front office after retiring in 2010. He served as an assistant GM starting in the 2013-14 season and was promoted to GM in the 2017 offseason, succeeding Dean Lombardi.
Los Angeles Kings, Rob Blake Mutually Part Ways
During his eight seasons as GM, Blake oversaw a regular-season record of 309-238-71 (.557), which ranked 19th in the league. However, the team’s postseason record under his leadership was 8-20 (.286). Among teams that have made the playoffs since 2018, only the Anaheim Ducks (0-4) have a worse win percentage.
In a statement, Robitaille acknowledged Blake’s contributions: “On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to thank Rob for his dedication LA and the passion he brought to his role. Reaching this understanding wasn’t easy, and I appreciate Rob’s partnership in always working toward what is best for the Kings. Rob deserves a great deal of credit and respect for elevating us to where we are today. He has been an important part of the Kings and will always be appreciated for what he has meant to this franchise.”