Rob Blake had a solid first season with the Sharks. (Harry How/Getty Images)The San Jose Sharks have prevented Rob Blake from hitting the open market, agreeing with the veteran defenceman on a one-year, $3.5-million US contract.
Blake, who would've become an unrestricted free agent when the NHL's signing period opens on Canada Day, takes a pay cut from the $5 million he made last season.
The 39-year-old registered 45 points (10 goals) and a plus-15 rating last season, helping the Sharks win the Presidents' Trophy for the league's best record in his first campaign with the team. San Jose was upset in the first playoff round by Anaheim.
After signing Blake, San Jose general manager Doug Wilson is left with about $7 million in salary cap space. Several Sharks are poised to become free agents, including forwards Mike Grier, Claude Lemieux, Travis Moen and Jeremy Roenick, defencemen Kent Huskins and Alexei Semenov, and backup goalie Brian Boucher.
With files from The Associated Press
