The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Jackson Blake to an eight-year, $45 million contract extension that will begin with the 2026-27 NHL season. The announcement was made by Eric Tulsky, General Manager of the Hurricanes.
“Jackson had an outstanding rookie season, and we think he is just scratching the surface of the player he can be,” said Tulsky. “His tenaciousness on the puck and competitiveness match our team’s culture and we’re excited about his future with our club.”
Blake, 21, recorded 17 goals and 17 assists for a total of 34 points during his first NHL season in 2024-25. Among league rookies, he led in game-winning goals with six, ranked second in plus/minus at +10, and placed seventh in total goals scored. His six game-winning goals tied a franchise record for rookies. Blake played all 15 playoff games for Carolina last season, scoring three goals and three assists. He ranked second among NHL rookies in both playoff goals and points and was tied for first in power-play goals.
Blake was selected by Carolina as the 109th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL Draft. He debuted with the Hurricanes on April 16, 2024 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Before joining the professional ranks, Blake spent two seasons playing college hockey at the University of North Dakota where he totaled 38 goals and 64 assists over 79 games. In his freshman year (2022-23), he earned National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Rookie of the Year honors along with a spot on its Second All-Star Team after tallying 42 points. During his sophomore year (2023-24), Blake became a top-three finalist for college hockey’s Hobey Baker Award by recording 60 points in 40 games; he also received NCHC Player of the Year, Forward of the Year awards as well as First All-Star Team recognition.
A Fargo native, Blake represented Team USA at the IIHF World Junior Championship in 2023 where he registered six points across seven games to help secure a bronze medal. His father Jason Blake played thirteen seasons in the NHL between four teams from 1999 to 2012.
“Jackson Blake’s going to be a heck of a player in this League.
Look at those soft mitts!
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— NHL (@NHL)”
