Can Rookie Jackson Blake Make The Hurricanes Roster Out Of Training Camp?

The Carolina Hurricanes roster saw a lot of changes this summer. After losing key forwards Teuvo Teravainen, Jake Guentzel, Stefan Noesen and the surprising mutual contract termination of Evgeny Kuznetsov last week, the Hurricanes lost 122 points in production from last season. While the Canes brought in middle six forwards in Jack Roslovic and Tyson Jost as well as bottom six forwards in Eric Robinson and William Carrier, the team has yet to address the losses of Guentzel and Teravainen in particular.

One potential option in house to replace the lost production is rookie forward Jackson Blake.

The Hurricanes drafted Jackson Blake back in 2021 in the 4th round with the 109th selection. After playing two seasons for the Chicago Steel of the USHL, Blake went on to play for the University of North Dakota. Last season Blake had a phenomenal year for the Fighting Sioux, leading the team with 22 goals, 38 assists for 60 points. Blake’s 60 points tied him for 4th in the nation in scoring with fellow NHL prospects Ryan Leonard(Washington Captials) and Gabriel Perreault(New York Rangers).

After the Fighting Sioux’s season ended Blake turned pro, making his NHL debut for the Hurricanes on April 16th against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Blake registered 2 shots on goal during the game and logged 15:11 TOI.

Coming into training camp this year the speedy offensively gifted Blake should get a long look from Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour. Being a right wing could help Blake’s cause to stick going into camp. The only natural right wing’s currently on the Hurricanes roster are Andrei Svechnikov and Jesper Fast, although natural centers in Marty Necas and Seth Jarvis have played the right side for the Canes last season as well.

If Blake is able to have a strong camp and show off his offensive skill and nose for the net there is chance that he could make the opening night line-up. Especially if he is also able to earn the trust of Brind’Amour in playing an all-around solid 200ft game. If not, Blake will continue to develop in the AHL for the Chicago Wolves.

Blake is the son of former NHL’er Jason Blake. Jason played in 871 games during his career for the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Anaheim Ducks.