Blake’s Future as a King Appears More in Doubt

The prospects of defenseman Rob Blake remaining with the Kings are growing slimmer as he nears restricted free agency. He will become a free agent with compensation July 1.

“No, I’m not confident he’ll be back,” General Manager Sam McMaster said in a conference call on Tuesday. “He’s a concern. He’s a great player. But if he’s not back, the L.A. Kings will get something in return.

“I want Rob Blake on the hockey team, don’t get me wrong. But I want Rob Blake where it’s good for Rob Blake and the L.A. Kings.”

Because Blake will be a Group 2 free agent, the Kings are ensured of receiving some form of compensation if he signs an offer sheet with another team. The Kings could match the offer and trade him or they could keep him.

Another option for the Kings is to trade Blake before he becomes a free agent. At issue is money. McMaster said that an offer has been made to Ron Salcer, Blake’s agent. Blake indicated the offer is four to five years and starts at $1.2 million a season.

The two highest-paid defensemen in the NHL are Boston’s Ray Bourque at $2.5 million a season and Chicago’s Chris Chelios at $2.2 million. The Kings’ Marty McSorley is fifth at $1.8 million.

The 24-year-old Blake is coming off his best season, 20 goals and 68 points, and is thought to be approaching his peak years. It would seem unlikely that Blake would sign for less than McSorley.

All will become free agents July 1. MacInnis already has turned down an offer of $2.5 million (Canadian).

Blake isn’t the only player with an uncertain future. There have been the usual trade rumors about left wing Luc Robitaille.

Tuesday, Robitaille said: “I told them what I hear was that Mr. (Bruce) McNall used to protect me from being traded,” Robitaille said of the former majority owner. “Now things might be different with new owners.”