Blake moves up the California coast: Rob Blake is heading up the California coast, hoping to end his stellar NHL career with a shot at another Stanley Cup title in San Jose. The veteran defenseman signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Sharks on Thursday, leaving Pacific Division rival Los Angeles for a more immediate chance at playoff success. "San Jose is something I've always admired," said Blake, a seven-time All-Star. "They have a ton of potential, and they're always right there every year. The excitement is in moving up the road a little and playing for a championship again." (Updated 07/03/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/26/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Blake is the longtime face and soul of the Kings, spending 13 1/2 of his 18 NHL seasons with Los Angeles, including the past two campaigns. Just last month, Blake said he expected to re-sign with the club -- but when the Kings didn't contact Blake in the first few days of free agency, the Sharks quickly grabbed their rivals' captain to mentor their young defensemen while easing the impact of Brian Campbell's departure. Blake has 702 career points, tied for fourth among active players at his position, and a Stanley Cup championship from his time with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001. He has slowed down in recent seasons with the Kings, tallying less than 40 points in his last two campaigns. Blake could have better numbers with San Jose in 2008-09, but it's still best to think of him as a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy defenseman. (Updated 07/03/2008).
No information available at this time.
Blake moves up the California coast: Rob Blake is heading up the California coast, hoping to end his stellar NHL career with a shot at another Stanley Cup title in San Jose. The veteran defenseman signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Sharks on Thursday, leaving Pacific Division rival Los Angeles for a more immediate chance at playoff success. "San Jose is something I've always admired," said Blake, a seven-time All-Star. "They have a ton of potential, and they're always right there every year. The excitement is in moving up the road a little and playing for a championship again." (Updated 07/03/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/26/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Blake is the longtime face and soul of the Kings, spending 13 1/2 of his 18 NHL seasons with Los Angeles, including the past two campaigns. Just last month, Blake said he expected to re-sign with the club -- but when the Kings didn't contact Blake in the first few days of free agency, the Sharks quickly grabbed their rivals' captain to mentor their young defensemen while easing the impact of Brian Campbell's departure. Blake has 702 career points, tied for fourth among active players at his position, and a Stanley Cup championship from his time with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001. He has slowed down in recent seasons with the Kings, tallying less than 40 points in his last two campaigns. Blake could have better numbers with San Jose in 2008-09, but it's still best to think of him as a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy defenseman. (Updated 07/03/2008).
