Former Los Angeles Kings general manager Rob Blake wasn't on the open market for long after departing the organization last offseason.
This past week, the Nashville Predators hired Blake to be their next executive vice president of hockey operations early this offseason.
According to a report from The Athletic this week, Blake had interest from multiple teams around the league early this offseason, including the Toronto Maple Leafs. The report noted that new Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka met with Blake before the longtime Kings executive ultimately joined the Nashville Predators in a front-office role.
New report reveals that Toronto explored adding Rob Blake before the longtime Los Angeles Kings executive landed in Nashville
The reported interest from Toronto is particularly noteworthy given the scrutiny that comes with working for one of the NHL's most high-profile organizations.
Blake spent eight seasons running the Kings and oversaw a lengthy retool that eventually helped return Los Angeles to playoff contention. While his tenure was not without criticism, his experience managing a franchise through multiple phases likely made him an attractive candidate for teams looking to add veteran leadership to their front offices.
The Maple Leafs have undergone significant front-office changes this offseason under Chayka, making Blake's experience as a longtime NHL general manager an appealing addition.
Blake served as the Kings' general manager from 2017 to 2025, overseeing the organization's transition from a rebuilding team back into a consistent playoff contender.
The reported meeting between Chayka and Blake suggests Toronto's interest was driven by Blake's reputation and experience rather than any pre-existing relationship. It also highlights the level of respect Blake still commands around the league despite the mixed reactions that surrounded the final years of his tenure in Los Angeles.
The Kings moved on from Blake after a fourth consecutive first-round playoff exit against the Edmonton Oilers, bringing an end to his eight-year run as general manager.
Nashville ultimately emerged as the logical landing spot for Blake, as reports indicated he had already been in communication with Predators general manager Chris MacFarland during the season.
While some Kings fans viewed Blake's departure as the end of an era, the interest from both Toronto and Nashville suggests his reputation around the league remains strong. Although his tenure in Los Angeles ended without a deep playoff run, multiple organizations still viewed him as a valuable executive capable of contributing at the highest levels of NHL management.
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