The Carolina Hurricanes solidified their future by signing forward Jackson Blake to an eight-year, $45 million contract extension announced late on July 24. Although this eight-year contract will not commence until the 2026-27 NHL season, it ensures the 22-year-old native of Fargo, North Dakota will remain with the Hurricanes organization for at least nine more seasons.
This long-term deal underscores the Hurricanes’ confidence in Blake as a developing talent and retains a key player as they build toward sustained competitiveness. The timing also relates to the upcoming collective bargaining agreement (CBA) changes, influencing the contract’s structure and payments over time.
Details Behind the Contract and Its Strategic Impact
The contract carries an average annual value (AAV) of $5.625 million according to the team’s announcement. However, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the effective AAV will be closer to $5.1 million annually because of deferred payments included in the deal. Deferred money arrangements will be prohibited under the new CBA starting in fall 2026, making this pre-CBA deal a timely move for the Hurricanes.
Blake will play the 2025-26 season under the last year of his entry-level contract (ELC), earning $905,833 before the extension’s higher salary begins in the 2026-27 season. General Manager Eric Tulsky’s decision to lock Blake in for nearly a decade reflects belief in the player’s trajectory, securing his presence on the roster through age 31 when the contract concludes.
Jackson had an outstanding rookie season, and we think he is just scratching the surface of the player he can be,
Tulsky said.
His tenaciousness on the puck and competitiveness match our team’s culture, and we’re excited about his future with our club.
—Eric Tulsky, General Manager
Blake’s Rookie Campaign Sets Foundation for Extended Role
In his first NHL season, Blake demonstrated his value by netting 17 goals and accumulating 34 points, establishing himself among the Hurricanes’ key offensive contributors. He led the team with six game-winning goals, tied for the franchise record in that category, and finished second in plus/minus with a plus-10 rating.
Blake’s impact was multi-dimensional as he played in various lineup positions and both power play units, showcasing versatility and reliability for Carolina. Prior to joining the NHL, he was a Hobey Baker finalist in college hockey with the University of North Dakota, known for his competitiveness and scoring ability.
His placement among the top rookies in goals and points illustrates why Carolina is poised to invest in Blake as a crucial top-six forward for years to come, anticipating further growth in his game and leadership within the team.
Building a Young Core to Sustain Championship Contention
The extension of Blake’s contract aligns his tenure with other emerging talents such as Logan Stankoven, Seth Jarvis, and Alexander Nikishin, who collectively form the backbone of Carolina’s young core. Their contracts running through the next decade allow the Hurricanes to focus on long-term development and maintain depth across key roster positions.
Alongside established players like Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov, the Hurricanes appear committed to cultivating a youthful but formidable lineup. This group’s potential longevity offers the franchise multiple opportunities to compete for the Stanley Cup in the coming years.
The Blake contract is part of a broader strategy to keep the team competing at a high level while developing within a consistent organizational structure. Fans and management alike are hopeful this investment will usher in extended playoff runs and possibly secure Carolina’s second Stanley Cup title.