He refuses to get into specifics. His agent, Pat Brisson, said that Blake came to the Kings two years ago with the intention of retiring with the team. He said he would accept a trade to Colorado if they could get a good return since he had played there before and liked it there, but that he would prefer to remain a King.
On if he would only accept a trade to Colorado: “I’m not going to talk specifics by any means. Like I said before, I wanted to be with Los Angeles. Im with Los Angeles as of today and well move forward from there.”
On if he’s relieved to be past this: “With the speculation and everything, it tends to where on you a little bit. That points now gone and we can move forward. Weve got a real good, young nucleus here and we need to build. With the cornerstones we have, the young forwards, young D and the goaltending position, it can only go forward from there. I know were at the bottom but I think the guys understand here its an important finish these last 18-20 games because youve got to get respect from the rest of the league and thats what we have to earn right now.”
On meeting with Kings management: “When we sat down, I did what I thought best for the organization. I gave them an opportunity, and thats all I can say about it. Right now Im part of Los Angeles and thats great. We can move forward.”
On the possibility of re-signing with the Kings: “Thats something well venture into down the road for sure, hopefully. Again, its a little ways away from what we need to be talking about now.”
On return date: “I dont know if I’ll be ready for Thursday. By the weekend, for sure. Today was the first real full practice I had. Well get one more tomorrow and re-evaluate. Within a week here for sure.”
On the possibility of playing Saturday in Colorado: “I know a lot of guys there now. Theyre all back. It’s a back-to-back this weekend, so well see.”
On health: “It feels all right. The longer I go on it, the more it’s sore. If I can get by for a half hour-45 minutes, then if it bothers me tomorrow and gets worse, I have to take a step back but it hasnt yet, and thats the encouraging thing.”
