Kings and GM Rob Blake Mutually Agree to Part Ways After Playoff Disappointment
The Los Angeles Kings and General Manager Rob Blake have mutually agreed to separate, marking a significant shift in the franchise’s leadership following another disappointing playoff exit at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers. The announcement, made Monday by team president Luc Robitaille, signals a desire for a fresh perspective as the Kings aim to break through their first-round playoff barrier.
"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," Robitaille stated. "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."
The decision to part ways with Blake comes after the Kings were eliminated by the Oilers in the first round of the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. This year’s series loss was particularly stinging, as the Kings entered the playoffs with high expectations after tying franchise records for wins (48) and points (105) during the regular season. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper was also a Vezina Trophy finalist, further fueling optimism.
The Kings had home-ice advantage in the series and started strong, winning Games 1 and 2 in Los Angeles. However, the momentum quickly shifted as the series moved to Edmonton. A controversial coach’s challenge in Game 3 proved to be a turning point, as Jim Hiller’s challenge of the Oilers’ tying goal was rejected, resulting in a delay of game penalty. The Oilers capitalized on the ensuing power play, scoring the go-ahead goal and ultimately winning the game.
Game 4 saw the Kings squander a 3-1 lead in the third period, ultimately losing in overtime. The Oilers then closed out the series with wins in Games 5 and 6, extending their playoff dominance over the Kings and prompting the organizational shakeup.
Blake’s tenure as general manager began in 2017. During his eight seasons at the helm, the team compiled a regular-season record of 309-238-71 and reached the playoffs five times. However, the Kings were unable to advance past the first round under his leadership, a fact that ultimately contributed to the decision for a change.
One of Blake’s more significant moves was the 2023 acquisition of forward Pierre-Luc Dubois. While the trade did not pan out as hoped, Blake managed to recoup some value by later trading Dubois for Kuemper, demonstrating his willingness to adjust and adapt to evolving circumstances.
The Kings have not yet announced any decisions regarding the future of head coach Jim Hiller, who was in his first full season as head coach. He initially took over as interim coach last season following the dismissal of Todd McLellan. Hiller’s performance this season, particularly the team’s regular-season success, will likely be a key factor in the team’s evaluation process.
Blake, a Hockey Hall of Famer and former Kings star defenseman, leaves a legacy of dedication and service to the organization. His contributions both on and off the ice have been significant, and his passion for the Kings was evident throughout his tenure as general manager.
Robitaille emphasized that the search for a new general manager will begin immediately. The Kings will be looking for a candidate who can bring fresh ideas, strategic vision, and a proven track record of success. The new general manager will face the challenge of building a team that can not only compete in the regular season but also achieve sustained success in the playoffs.
The timing of Blake’s departure coincides with another prominent general manager vacancy in the league. The New York Islanders are also seeking a new general manager after opting not to renew Lou Lamoriello’s contract. This creates a competitive market for experienced and talented executives, and the Kings will need to conduct a thorough and diligent search to identify the best candidate for the job.
The Kings’ decision to move on from Blake underscores the high expectations and relentless pursuit of success that define professional sports. While Blake’s contributions to the organization are undeniable, the team’s inability to advance in the playoffs ultimately led to the decision for a change in leadership. The Kings will now embark on a new chapter, with the goal of building a team that can compete for championships and bring a Stanley Cup back to Los Angeles.
The next general manager will inherit a team with a mix of established veterans and promising young players. The challenge will be to effectively integrate these pieces, make strategic acquisitions, and create a winning culture that can translate into playoff success. The Kings’ ownership and management are committed to providing the resources and support necessary to achieve this goal.
As the Kings begin their search for a new general manager, the focus will be on finding someone who can not only evaluate talent but also develop a clear and consistent vision for the future of the franchise. The Kings are determined to break free from their recent playoff struggles and emerge as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. The hiring of a new general manager represents a critical step in that process.
