Matt Ross: Rate the GM: Rob Blake

For me. I give Blake a B. I don't hate his moves. I don't even hate the Kovi signing. I don't like it. Since I wanted the rebuild to start a year earlier. But maybe the muzzin return isn't as good a year earlier. But so far I like the trades for the most part. But the next 4 or 5 moves are gonna be important as well.

I don't think he's a guy you want to steer the ship long term....

outsiders prospective here - i read the referenced article and I agree, Blake's been awful. Makes me wonder what it takes to be considered a 'smart guy' in hockey circles. I'm guessing the bar is pretty low (esp for former players)

Why are the Kings not trying to move Kopitar? It’s not as if he’ll still be an elite player when they are in their next contention window.

And don’t tell me he wouldn’t be willing to waive his NTC for the right situation.

Why are the Kings not trying to move Kopitar? It’s not as if he’ll still be an elite player when they are in their next contention window.

And don’t tell me he wouldn’t be willing to waive his NTC for the right situation.
- Za Warudo

Probably cause he's signed for I believe another 4 years at a cap hit of 10 million. Hard for teams to fit him even if the kings retain a ton of it.

Probably cause he's signed for I believe another 4 years at a cap hit of 10 million. Hard for teams to fit him even if the kings retain a ton of it.
- mf1313

Salary can be retained, up to 50%. This can be used as leverage to gain additional draft picks.

Assuming a healthy Nolan Patrick, who says no to Kopitar to Philly for Patrick and two 1sts, with LA eating 4 mil?

Kopitar would be awesome in Winnipeg!!!!
Connor and 2nd round pick.

Kopitar would be awesome in Winnipeg!!!!
Connor and 2nd round pick.
- Ross77

Done. I'll prepare the paperwork.

outsiders prospective here - i read the referenced article and I agree, Blake's been awful. Makes me wonder what it takes to be considered a 'smart guy' in hockey circles. I'm guessing the bar is pretty low (esp for former players)
- farooge

Why do you think he's been awful?

His grade will be determined based on expectation. If your expectation is the team should remain competitive through a rebuild, then he gets a "D" at best. But I don't think that's a reasonable expectation given the cap situation. Blake will be graded, in retrospect, based on the team's drafting and development of talent AND how he transitions out the vets and brings in players to complement the young guys. Scott Wheeler of 'The Athletic' did a comprehensive ranking of all NHL teams' prospects and the Kings ranked #1. I'd link to it...but paywall. So Blake gets a "first semester" grade of a B from me, but the implementation of the talent into the team and the roster management is a "second semester" grade that is TBD.

Blake and Luc need to go. Blake brought in Kovy to a system that still has the same system due to a team filled with aging, big, slow vets. Did they actually think Kovy would thrive in this system? Stupid move. There have been other bad and questioning moves and some okay ones. His coaching choices are horrible too.

The Kings need to stop living in the 2 Cups ERA and dump a lot more of this core. Get a fresh coach in there. Get a new GM that has ZERO ties to the Kings. Get younger, faster and more skilled. Get a new system in place that works in today's NHL. Blake said they were going to be really busy in the off season this past summer. Instead, they did squat.

I give Blake a D+/C-

For me. I give Blake a B. I don't hate his moves. I don't even hate the Kovi signing. I don't like it. Since I wanted the rebuild to start a year earlier. But maybe the muzzin return isn't as good a year earlier. But so far I like the trades for the most part. But the next 4 or 5 moves are gonna be important as well.
- poisondhearts37

Salary can be retained, up to 50%. This can be used as leverage to gain additional draft picks.

Assuming a healthy Nolan Patrick, who says no to Kopitar to Philly for Patrick and two 1sts, with LA eating 4 mil?
- Za Warudo

I like NP a lot, but he seems injury prone unfortunately. Dig his game when healthy though.

Why do you think he's been awful?

His grade will be determined based on expectation. If your expectation is the team should remain competitive through a rebuild, then he gets a "D" at best. But I don't think that's a reasonable expectation given the cap situation. Blake will be graded, in retrospect, based on the team's drafting and development of talent AND how he transitions out the vets and brings in players to complement the young guys. Scott Wheeler of 'The Athletic' did a comprehensive ranking of all NHL teams' prospects and the Kings ranked #1. I'd link to it...but paywall. So Blake gets a "first semester" grade of a B from me, but the implementation of the talent into the team and the roster management is a "second semester" grade that is TBD.
- Only_A_Ladd