BREAKING NEWS: Jackson Blake Signs Entry-Level Contract With Canes

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Jackson Blake to a three-year entry-level contract, as announced by Don Waddell, President and General Manager of the team. Under the terms of the contract, Blake will receive $775,000 at the NHL level in the 2023-24 season, followed by $832,500 at the NHL level for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. Additionally, he will receive $80,000 at the American Hockey League (AHL) level for all three seasons, along with a signing bonus of $277,500.

Waddell praised Blake’s skills, describing him as an explosive playmaker who has played a significant role in North Dakota’s recent success in the NCAA. Blake, aged 20, had an impressive season with North Dakota, recording 60 points (22 goals, 38 assists) in 40 games. His performance earned him recognition as a top-three finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the top player in college hockey. He also received numerous accolades within the NCHC conference, including Player and Forward of the Year honors, as well as unanimous selection to the All-NCHC First Team.

In his collegiate career, Blake posted a total of 102 points (38 goals, 64 assists) in 79 games with the Fighting Hawks. He was named the NCHC Rookie of the Year in the 2022-23 season. Prior to his time at North Dakota, Blake played in the USHL with the Chicago Steel, where he earned 94 points (34 goals, 60 assists) in 86 games and won the Clark Cup title in 2021. Additionally, he represented the United States at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, contributing six points (1 goal, 5 assists) in seven games and winning a bronze medal.

Blake, a Fargo, North Dakota native, was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the fourth round (109th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft. His father, Jason Blake, had a successful NHL career, playing 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Anaheim Ducks from 1999 to 2012.