Los Angeles Kings GM Rob Blake Parts Ways with Team After Eight Seasons

Los Angeles, California – The Los Angeles Kings and vice president/general manager Rob Blake have mutually agreed to part ways, team president Luc Robitaille announced Monday.

The decision follows a season where the Kings finished second in the Pacific Division with a record of 48 wins, 25 losses, and 9 overtime losses. However, they were eliminated in the Western Conference First Round by the Edmonton Oilers, marking the fourth consecutive year the Kings have lost to the Oilers in the first round.

Robitaille expressed gratitude for Blake’s dedication to the organization. “On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to thank Rob for his dedication to the L.A. Kings and the passion he brought to his role,” Robitaille said. He acknowledged that reaching this agreement wasn’t easy and praised Blake for elevating the team during his tenure.

Blake served as the Kings’ GM for eight seasons, achieving a regular-season record of 309-238-71 and leading the team to the playoffs five times, although they never won a postseason series during his tenure. He initially joined the organization in 2013 as the assistant GM before taking over from Dean Lombardi in 2017.

As a player, Blake spent 14 of his 20 NHL seasons with the Kings, where he remains the franchise’s all-time leader in goals by a defenseman with 161. With 333 assists and 494 points, he ranks second among Kings defensemen in both metrics.

The Kings are now set to begin their search for a new general manager as they look to advance further in the playoffs in the coming seasons.