Report: Rob Blake has patrolled his last blue line in NHL

There's a not-all-that-surprising report from CSN Bay Area this afternoon that San Jose Sharks defenseman and captain Rob Blake(notes) will hang up the skates at the tender age of 40: The source said that Blake is waiting until the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals because he did not want to be a distraction while the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers are still playing. An official announcement could come as early as next week. When contacted by Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, the Sharks declined to comment on the story. Comcast SportsNet Bay Area also reached out to Blake but he has not returned calls. Blake is an unrestricted free agent this summer having earned $3.5 million with the Sharks last season. He had 30 points in 70 regular-season games but just 2 points in 15 playoff games. He's a Norris Trophy winner, a seven-time all-star selection and one of the most prolific scoring defenseman in the NHL over the last two decades. He also had 19 points in 23 games w...