Jackson Blake, forward for the Carolina Hurricanes, recently signed an eight-year contract extension worth $45 million that has drawn significant attention from NHL insider Frank Seravalli. Speaking on B/R Open Ice on July 29, Seravalli explained why this deal would not be allowed under the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) set to take effect next year.
Seravalli highlighted key reasons behind the contract’s uniqueness and eventual outlawing under forthcoming rules.
“It’s got a really interesting structure. Yes, this is one of those structures that’s going to be outlawed in the next CBA for two different reasons.”
—Frank Seravalli, NHL insider
He elaborated further on the specific issues related to the contract’s term and payment plan.
“One, the maximum term of a new contract extension moving forward will be seven years, as opposed to eight and two. The NHL has gotten rid of deferred salary in the next collective bargaining agreement, which means that the $19.3 million that Jackson Blake deferred till after the contract is over will have interest attached to it. Well, that won’t be possible either.”
—Frank Seravalli, NHL insider
The structure allowed Carolina to capitalize on current market conditions before restrictive changes come into effect next summer. Rather than waiting, the Hurricanes opted to secure Blake now to
“buy the best year of Jackson Blake,”
as noted by Seravalli, ensuring they lock in his prime performance period under favorable terms.
Jackson Blake’s Development Signals a Promising Future for the Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky expressed high regard for Blake after his rookie season. In a July 25 interview with the Raleigh News and Observer, Tulsky praised the 21-year-old’s potential and alignment with the team’s competitive mindset.
“Jackson had an outstanding rookie season, and we think he is just scratching the surface of the player he can be. His tenaciousness on the puck and competitiveness match our team’s culture and we’re excited about his future with our club.”
—Eric Tulsky, Carolina Hurricanes GM
Blake, a former fourth-round pick from the 2021 NHL Draft, earned a steady role in the Hurricanes’ lineup through consistent performance and the trust of head coach Rod Brind’Amour. This confidence in Blake’s talent motivated the Hurricanes to secure him for the full maximum length allowed.
Looking ahead, Blake aims to build on his strong rookie campaign with an even better sophomore season. Given his established place on the roster and barring an unexpected setback in training camp, he is expected to be a key contributor for Carolina from Opening Night onward.
Implications of Blake’s Contract and Future Career Prospects
The terms of Jackson Blake’s $45 million contract extension reflect strategic timing by the Hurricanes to maximize value before the next CBA’s stricter regulations take hold. By locking in an extended deal with deferred payments and an eight-year span, Carolina has positioned itself advantageously in retaining a young, developing talent without the constraints looming after the upcoming agreement’s implementation.
This contract could prove to be a major bargain if Blake continues to progress as anticipated, given the top-level enthusiasm from Hurricanes management and coaching staff regarding his abilities. The upcoming seasons will be critical for Blake to demonstrate growth and justify the long-term commitment the franchise has made.
Overall, Jackson Blake’s extension underscores evolving NHL contract strategies in response to new league rules and highlights the Hurricanes’ focus on cultivating promising players to maintain competitive edge in the coming years.