Hartford Wolf Pack forward Blake McLaughlin has signed a one-year deal in Norway with Valerenga, it was confirmed last week.
McLaughlin, a 2018 third round pick of the Anaheim Ducks, spent the 2024-25 season splitting time between the Wolf Pack and the ECHL's Bloomington Bison. In 15 AHL games, McLaughlin scored one goal and added five assists for six points. Across 29 ECHL games, he collected 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points.
Having turned pro at the end of the 2021-22 season, McLaughlin never saw a game in the NHL but did appear in 75 career AHL regular season games with the Wolf Pack and the San Diego Gulls. Over that time, he put up two goals and seven assists for nine points.
Prior to turning pro, McLaughlin spent four years in the NCAA with the University of Minnesota as well as time in the USHL with the Chicago Steel.
With McLaughlin off to Norway, he should be able find a consistent role with Valerenga, one in which he will be relied upon to produce offensively. Having a long track record of putting up points, McLaughlin could garner interest from other teams in North America next summer if he has a strong season.