San Jose, CA -- (Sports Network) - The San Jose Sharks signed free agent defenseman Rob Blake to a one-year contract Thursday. In keeping with club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 38-year-old Blake has appeared in 1,127 NHL regular season games with Los Angeles and Colorado, finishing his 18th career season in 2007-08, recording nine goals and 31 points in 71 games with Los Angeles.

The Simcoe, Ontario native is tied for fourth among active NHL defensemen and 22nd in NHL history with 702 points, and first among active defensemen in goals with 223, also good for 14th in NHL history.

"Rob is a tremendous competitor that has been one of the top defensemen in this league for many years," Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said. "While he has enjoyed mentoring the young guys, great players need the ability to win in order to thrive and his sole purpose here is to focus on winning."

Blake has appeared in the postseason 11 times during his career and was part of the Stanley Cup champion 2001 Colorado Avalanche. In 125 career postseason games, Blake has registered 24 goals and 67 points.

The wily veteran has amassed a decorated career starting with being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 1991 before going on to record a Norris Trophy in 1998, and seven All-Star appearances.

The six-foot-four, 225-pound defenseman was originally selected by Los Angeles in the fourth round (70th overall) of the 1988 NHL Entry Draft.