SIGNING NEWS: it has been confirmed that the Carolina hurricanes are making a deal with Toronto maples leaf for the signing of Bobby McMann with the sum of $45.2million as an…

The Carolina Hurricanes have inked forward Jackson Blake to a three-year entry-level contract, as announced by Don Waddell, the team’s President and General Manager. The deal includes a salary of $775,000 at the NHL level for the 2023-24 season and $832,500 for each of the following two seasons. Blake will also receive $80,000 at the AHL level annually, along with a signing bonus of $277,500.

Waddell praised Blake’s abilities, describing him as an explosive playmaker who has been instrumental in North Dakota’s success over the past two seasons. Blake, standing at 5’11” and weighing 173 pounds, showcased his talent by notching 60 points (22 goals, 38 assists) in 40 NCAA games with North Dakota in the current season. He ranks among the top players in Division I hockey, securing a spot as a top-three finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award.

During his time with the Fighting Hawks, Blake set an NCHC-record with 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 24 conference games, earning several accolades including NCHC Player and Forward of the Year honors. Throughout his collegiate career, he amassed 102 points (38 goals, 64 assists) in 79 games and was named the NCHC Rookie of the Year in the 2022-23 season.

Before his college career, Blake played in the USHL with the Chicago Steel, contributing 94 points (34 goals, 60 assists) in 86 games and clinching the 2021 Clark Cup title with a game-winning goal. He also had success in prep hockey at Eden Prairie High School, winning a state championship in 2021.

Representing the United States at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, Blake earned a bronze medal and notched six points (1 goal, 5 assists) in seven games. He was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the fourth round (109th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft. Notably, his father, Jason Blake, enjoyed a 13-season NHL career with various teams.