Thread: Rob Blake Retiring

I don't hate him. I don't like him either, and there's no way his jersey should be retired by the L.A. Kings.

Originally Posted by Bandit

I don't hate him. I don't like him either, and there's no way his jersey should be retired by the L.A. Kings.

Couldn't agree more. Blake did not do enough to distinguish himself as a member of the Kings to deserve a night or having his jersey retired.

The organization needs to have much higher standards for such an honor and Blake doesn't even come close.

To honor Blake, the Kings will raise Brandy's bra and pasties to the rafters one last time.

Originally Posted by Bogey

Flake: "I want $9.5M".
Kings: "$9M"
Flake: "No, I want $9.5! I want Pronger money."

You conveniently left out the part before Pronger got his contract and Blake had agreed in rough numbers to a contract. The Kings dragged their feet and wasted time until they got screwed because Pronger got his deal. Had the Kings been proactive and just signed Blake, instead of nickel and diming him, he would've been signed before Pronger ever signed his deal.

Originally Posted by Bogey

Yeah, no hardball being played by Blake there.

Never said he didn't. But why is it OK for the Kings to play hardball, but not Blake?

Originally Posted by Bogey

He claimed that he didn't want to waive the NTC because he wanted to stick around and help with the young players on the Kings, etc., then when he got a "take it or leave it" offer from San Jose, he takes it, thus rendering his claim that he wanted to stick around bullcrap, and how about the way he handled that hardball, take it or leave it" offer from SJ?

You left out the part where DL had no intentions of re-signing Blake.

I was hoping "the truth" would be some sex scandal that created bad blood that nixed the deal.

I wish he would of retired a King... does anyone think hell comeback to the kings
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Originally Posted by Salty Dog

You conveniently left out the part before Pronger got his contract and Blake had agreed in rough numbers to a contract. The Kings dragged their feet and wasted time until they got screwed because Pronger got his deal. Had the Kings been proactive and just signed Blake, instead of nickel and diming him, he would've been signed before Pronger ever signed his deal.

Sure it wasn't the other way around?

Originally Posted by Salty Dog

Never said he didn't. But why is it OK for the Kings to play hardball, but not Blake?

That's cool.
He made it clear that he cared more about making a half-a-mil more over staying here.
He proved where his priorities were and you're cool with that.
Not a lot of people are.

Originally Posted by Salty Dog

You left out the part where DL had no intentions of re-signing Blake.

What do you charge for mind reading?

Originally Posted by Bogey

Sure it wasn't the other way around?

Yeah, he's sure....as am I. The Kings dottled around just like they did later with Boucher.

As to retiring the number: Forget it. Just give #4 to Hickey when he gets here and move on. If the Kings can't find a way to put Goring's #19 on the wall, which is far more deserved, #4 shouldn't be there either.

Lombardi said it right, the Kings should wait until a player who wins a Cup HERE is deserved the honor. Most likely at this point (if the Cup is ever won) will be #8....but that is getting WAY ahead of ourselves.

jom

Originally Posted by Bogey

Sure it wasn't the other way around?

Yup.

Originally Posted by Bogey

That's cool.
He made it clear that he cared more about making a half-a-mil more over staying here.
He proved where his priorities were and you're cool with that.
Not a lot of people are.

And the Kings made it clear they cared more about saving half-a-mil than keeping him. They showed at that time that their priority was money (see Luc bolting for the Wings). It seems most people are cool with that also.

Originally Posted by Bogey

What do you charge for mind reading?

I went over this when it happened but DL made no effort to sign Blake. He had every opportunity to make it happen, much like the Wings did by signing Brad Stuart before he became a UFA, but instead DL didn't even have an offer ready for Blake, he didn't call, he didn't contact Blake's agent, etc. Does that sound like a guy interested in getting Blake signed? Blake gave Lombardi a heads up, and DL didn't make any effort to keep Blake, so Blake went to San Jose. I don't blame Lombardi, in fact I think he's and idiot for bringing Blake back in the first place, but to fault Blake in that situation is just a case of people looking for anything to fault Blake for because they don't like the guy.