Well it's finally happened.. After 21 seasons, Rob Blake is finally retiring.

Remembering the player that was Rob Blake is rather difficult? Is he the defenseman who surprised and amazed everyone with the Kings? The one who was acquired to help the Avalanche win the cup? Or the man who failed to do the same feat for the Sharks?

Answer: He will be remembered for all three, all in drastically different ways.

Throughout his career, Rob Blake was guy who hit hard, played tough and intimidated opponents in all three zones. Whether he was firing his infamous slap shot or laying out the big hit, Blake made himself a player you hated to play against.

In recent years, Blake has significantly slowed down, making him more vulnerable and more out of position. His shot has also decreased in power the previous two years. However, what never decreased was his leadership.

On every team, Blake was a leader and a first-class teammate through and through, making him loved by teammates and hated by opponents.

Blake showed these attributes in his short stint with the Colorado Avalanche and made him a fan favorite here.

While he may be maligned in Avs land for the hit that knocked Peter Mueller out for the rest of the season, he will still be one of my favorite players and one the all time nicest guys to play the game.

While it was certainly his time to go, the game will miss that extra special something Rob Blake brought when he put on the jersey.

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