Rob Blake signed a one-year deal for $5 million with the San Jose Sharks, The Sporting News reported Thursday.
He is an 18-year veteran going into his 19th season, but still has power and speed, which will help the Sharks out after Brian Campbell's departure. Campbell, who left after San Jose acquired him from the Sabres at the trade deadline last year, signed with the Chicago Blackhawks for $56.8 million over eight years (he wasn't worth that much money; the Hawks just went over the top with him).
Blake just had nine goals and 22 assists and was a minus-19 last year. He will likely join a top unit with Joe Thornton and Jonathan Cheechoo. What this former Norris trophy winner has is leadership, character for his team, and strength to help out the defense. If Brian Campbell had stayed in San Jose, this team would have had a great back end with Craig Rivet, whom the Sharks acquired at the 2006-07 trade deadline. Blake is a skilled defender who can and probably will help out with offence if he's on the right line with someone. This guy can produce when he wants to.
Last year he wasn't playing with the same caliber, as Blake he was playing for the last-place team in the West for three seasons in a row...come on! Well, his time in Los Angeles is probably over, because I think the guy wants to go the postseason, not go golfing every May!
But Blake is happy were he's ended up for next season, and so is his new head coach, Todd McLellan, who was the Red Wings assistant coach last year. I don't know much of this guy and I really don't care for this guy; there were better coaches out there than this guy, but, if they like him, then let them have them! Still, I wish all the best to Blake and the Sharks!
Im out...
Murphy
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