The Los Angeles Kings might have thrown a wrench into the New York Islanders’ search for a general manager on Monday after announcing that they have parted ways with long-time GM and vice president of hockey operations Rob Blake.
The 55-year-old spent eight seasons as the GM out in LA, guiding the franchise to a 309-238-71 record and five playoff appearances, although they did not win a single series during his tenure and lost four straight first-round series to the Edmonton Oilers.
“On behalf of the entire organization, I would like to thank Rob for his dedication to the LA Kings and the passion he brought to his role,” team president Luc Robitaille said. “Reaching this understanding wasn’t easy, and I appreciate Rob’s partnership in always working toward what is best for the Kings. Rob deserves a great deal of credit and respect for elevating us to where we are today. He has been an important part of the Kings and will always be appreciated for what he has meant to this franchise.”
His departure potentially sets up a promotion for Kings assistant GM Marc Bergevin, who spent a decade as the GM of the Montreal Canadiens and two years as a player with the Islanders. If the Islanders are interested in Blake, this is a significant break for them. But if controlling partner John Collins, who is leading the search for majority owner Scott Malkin and co-owner Jon Ledecky, has tabbed Bergevin as one of his top choices, things could get significantly more tricky.
Blake has spent the majority of the last 36 years out west, first as a player with the Kings before joining their front office. It appears unlikely, as of now, that he would switch coasts to join the Islanders.
New York parted ways with Lou Lamoriello after seven seasons, shortly after they missed the playoffs this year. His departure has put head coach Patrick Roy and the rest of the team’s coaching staff in limbo until new leadership is brought in, meaning a hire must be made in a timely manner to set the new direction of the franchise in place.
