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The shocking news just continues to flow from Kings headquarters in El Segundo this week.

Fresh on the heels of Dean Lombardi’s long-time right-hand man, Ron Hextall, returning to the Flyers – on something he said was nothing more than following a ‘gut feeling’ – MayorsManor can now share the second piece… Rob Blake will be named as the team’s new Assistant General Manager later this week.

His name was first mentioned to us by a source on Monday night. The dots didn’t seem to connect at the time, as head scout Mike Futa (a former OHL GM) seemed to be a more natural choice.

Then, three independent sources confirmed the information to us throughout the day today.

It’s official, Blake will be taking over the role.

This is just the latest twist in Blake’s relationship with the Kings and his post-career activity. His two tenures with the team have been well documented and he eventually hung up the skates in 2010. Since then, he’s been involved in a myriad of hockey related functions – including working closely with Brendan Shanahan and the NHL front office. The former Stanley Cup champion has also been actively involved with the Jr. Kings program.

On the ice, Blake played 1,270 regular season games for the Kings, Avalanche and Sharks. He posted 240 goals and 537 assists over that stretch, and added 73 more points in 146 career playoff games. Following the 1990-91 season he was named to the All Rookie Team, was a seven-time All-Star and 1996 Norris Trophy winner.

His 805 games played in a Kings sweater still stands as a team record for defensemen.

In 2002 he won a Gold Medal with Team Canada at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, becoming a member of the rare Triple Gold Club – earning the top prize at the Olympics, the IIHF World Championships and in the NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Despite his stellar credentials, Blake was somehow not elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame last week on his first attempt. As we reported about a year ago, the plan in LA has been to retire his number once that finally happens. For now though, it will have to wait at least another year.

We’ll have much more on this story as things develop over the next few days.

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RELATED CONTENT:

Playoff Preview with Rob Blake – he joined MayorsManor Live to talk about Kings v Blues

High/Low with Rob Blake – the key moments from his career

Tony Granato on if Blake’s number should be retired in LA

Luc Robitaille on new jobs for Gretzky, Lappy and Blake – 2011

Rob Blake interview from Jan 2010 – prior to his final game at Staples Center

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