The Carolina Hurricanes have agreed to an eight-year, $45 million contract extension with forward Jackson Blake, ensuring he remains with the team beyond his entry-level agreement. The deal was completed before upcoming changes in the NHL‘s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) come into force next season, which will prohibit contracts of this length.
Details of Blake’s Contract and Financial Structure
Currently, Blake was under a three-year entry-level deal with a $905,833 cap hit and scheduled to become a restricted free agent after the 2025-26 season. The new contract, though averaging $5.625 million per season, includes deferred payments that reduce the immediate salary cap impact to approximately $5.1 million, as reported by Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman. The exact cap hit remains undisclosed, but deferred compensation will no longer be allowed under the CBA revision.
Comparisons and Blake’s Role on the Hurricanes
When Blake’s extension officially begins in the 2026-27 season, his cap hit is expected to rank between the 105th and 110th highest among NHL forwards. Comparable players in terms of cap hit include Bryan Rust, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and J.T. Compher, indicating the value Carolina places on Blake’s future contributions. Coming off a strong rookie season, Blake recorded 17 goals and 17 assists over 80 games during his inaugural year, along with 6 points in 15 playoff games.
General Manager Comments on Blake’s Potential
Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky praised Blake’s performance and outlook, stating,
“Jackson had an outstanding rookie season, and we think he is just scratching the surface of the player he can be,”
and added,
“His tenaciousness on the puck and competitiveness match our team’s culture and we’re excited about his future with our club.”
Blake’s Progression and Expected Impact
Before joining the Hurricanes’ current season, Blake completed his college hockey career at the University of North Dakota. His early displays suggest a promising trajectory, with the team securing him on a long-term deal to maintain roster stability amid changing league regulations. This contract reflects Carolina’s commitment to developing Blake as a key player as the team prepares for future seasons.