Rob Blake, the rugged defenseman who controlled the blue line during 20 NHL seasons and captained the Sharks into the Western Conference finals this spring, is retiring.
The formal announcement is not expected to come until next week. On Wednesday, both the Sharks and Blake declined to comment.
But his retirement, first reported by Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, is not unexpected. It had been clear for months that Blake, 40, was leaning toward hanging up his skates after the season. And when the Sharks were eliminated from the postseason by Chicago, Blake sounded as if he only needed a few weeks away before making it official.
Blake made a big impact during his two seasons in San Jose. A steadying presence in the locker room, Blake was praised by teammates for his quiet leadership. So it was no surprise when he was named team captain last fall, taking over the role from Patrick Marleau.
http://www.mercurynews.com/sharks/ci_15 ... ck_check=1
One Stanley Cup, gold medal and Norris Trophy. Great career.
On the business side of things, the Sharks will have an interesting off-season with a lot of options. I would go for a the best goalie on the market.
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Rod Brind'Amour is retiring after 21 NHL seasons to take an unspecified front-office job with the Carolina Hurricanes.
The team's former captain said Wednesday that his decision was made simpler after he talked with general manager Jim Rutherford and they decided the aging veteran wouldn't fit with the Hurricanes' rebuilding plan.
Trying to find a roster spot on another team "never, ever felt right," he said, and Rutherford asked him to remain with the organization in some capacity.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=326157
Interesting to read how much he wanted to stay a Hurricane.
Chelios played 26 seasons as a defenseman in the NHL, including 10 with the Wings before finishing his career last season with Atlanta.
http://www.foxsportsdetroit.com/08/06/1 ... eedID=3701
