Hard work pays off in the case of Jackson Blake.
The Carolina Hurricanes rewarded Blake with an eight-year, $45 million contract after an impressive rookie season in the NHL.
Last season, Blake was fighting to make the Hurricanes' opening-night roster, and now, he’s in a much better and more secure position with the organization.
“A year ago today, I probably would have told you you’re crazy,” Blake said via Kurt Dusterberg of NHL.com. "It’s been an absolute whirlwind. I’m not going to lie. I didn’t know if I was going to make the team last year, and then to play on the team the full year and now have this long-term deal with Carolina, it’s pretty surreal.”
The 22-year-old forward recorded 17 goals, 17 assists, and 34 points in 80 games while averaging 13:51 minutes.
It was playing in a truly unique Hurricanes system, and specifically under head coach Rod Brind'Amour that allowed Blake to truly flourish.
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“Obviously, Rod did a good job with me,” Blake said. “He knew maybe playing less minutes in the first half – seeing the game and developing me that way. When he thought I was comfortable and ready to take that next step, he gave me that opportunity and I took advantage of it. Playing with Sebastian and some of those guys was huge for my confidence to grow into the player I believe I can be.”
With a new contract in hand, expectations are certainly higher for Blake, who also has high expectations for himself going into his second season in Carolina.
“I would have expected more from myself regardless of the contract or not for this year,” said Bake. “I thought last year was pretty good, but I always strive for better in every single area.”