Rob Blake has meant a lot to the Kings organization both as a player and a mentor (Jack Johnson). However, his actions and those of his agent - Pat Brisson - were deplorable during contract negotiations. Blake new the Kings were going young and that his role would be the veteran presence, and he knew that Lombardi wanted him, but had to wait for other contracts to settle before committing to Blake for what he wanted. Brisson knows the Kings and Lombardi as well - he one of Luc’s oldest friends, a former (mediocre) player and represents a few of the Kings now. This was about money and personal goals just like it was when Blake left for the Avs - rather than giving back to the organization that brought you up, gave you at chance at 18 and allowed you to play with great older players like Gretzky, Kurri, Taylor, McSorely who taught you not only how to play the game but how to be a “hockey player.” the Kings were going to give Blake the money but he jumped at the chance to go to a winner (or choker), and then to blame it on Lombardi and have Brisson lie about conversations with Lombardi?? That’s just despicable. Blake will be boo’ed at the game and hopefully the King’s will NOT retire his jersey. He had his chance to solidify his HOF career as a King but instead he decided that he was bigger than the game - which thankfully most the greats (Yzerman, Sakic, for example) chose not to do. So enjoy your time in San Jose Rob! Hopefully they won’t “choke” again and you’ll have another ring to go on your finger and solidify your place as “one who COULD have been” one of the best. The Kings have moved on and they will succeed without you.

Posted by scooter from Houston on 10/10/08 at 03:57 PM ET

You’re assuming that Kings fans will show up—the Dodgers have a playoff game on Sunday in LA, and my guess is most of LA will be focused on them (hopefully losing to the Phillies). And if Blake brings the Sharks a ring, I’ll be thrilled (I’m a Sharks fan). One thing—you said the Kings would succeed without Blake—if they haven’t succeeded WITH him, how would reducing their blue line, as well as losing Camalleri to Calgary—help them succeed in the near future?

Posted by dinur from ct on 10/11/08 at 12:53 AM ET