Can rookie Jackson Blake make the Hurricanes’ roster after training camp?

The Carolina Hurricanes’ roster has undergone a lot of changes this summer. After losing key forwards Teuvo Teravainen, Jake Guentzel, Stefan Noesen and the surprise termination of Evgeny Kuznetsov’s two-way contract last week, the Hurricanes have lost 122 points in production from last season. While the Canes have acquired middle-six forwards in Jack Roslovic and Tyson Jost and bottom-six forwards in Eric Robinson and William Carrier, the team has yet to recover from the loss of Guentzel and Teravainen in particular.

One possible option to replace the lost production is rookie forward Jackson Blake.

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

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

The speedy, offensively gifted Blake should get a long look from Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour this year. As a right winger, Blake’s case could hang in training camp. The only natural right wingers currently on the Hurricanes’ roster are Andrei Svechnikov and Jesper Fast, though natural centers in Marty Necas and Seth Jarvis also played right wing for the Canes last season.

If Blake can have a strong camp and showcase his offensive skills and nose for the net, there is a chance he can make the opening night lineup. Especially if he can also earn Brind’Amour’s trust by 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 player Jason Blake. Jason played in 871 games during his career for the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks.