Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jackson Blake has been one of the brightest standouts from training camp and the pre-season. But could he make the NHL roster?
Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jackson Blake has been one of the brightest standouts from training camp and the pre-season. But could he make the NHL roster?
Following the Carolina Hurricanes' penultimate pre-season game, Canes coach Rod Brind'Amour stated that there was going to be "a lot of discussions" surrounding roster decisions for opening night.
But one comment stood out more than the rest.
"There's always room for guys that earn their spot," Brind'Amour had said.
While Carolina had seen quite a few strong performances throughout training camp and the pre-season, perhaps nobody has stood out more than forward prospect Jackson Blake.
"He's been maybe one of the better players, if you're being honest about it," Brind'Amour said. "He's very noticeable every shift. It's not just shifts here and there. He had the bulk of the scoring chances and was around it. It felt like when he was out there that something good might happen. He had his blemishes too like the rest of these young guys, but it was all from trying to put the puck in the net. He's definitely a dynamic player and plays with a little grit too."
Blake, 21, has been one of the most most noticeable players for Carolina the past two weeks, standing out in all four games he's taken part in.
The forward has been a real force in the offensive zone with his passing and stickhandling, but his hustle and backcheck have also been on point.
"He’s an interesting player," Brind'Amour said. "You try and give him every opportunity to see where he could fit. Could he fit with these guys, this guy, or in a different role? At the end of the day, it’s just giving them those games for us to get a better feel of where they need to grow. Can they be here? I don’t think it’s a question of will they be here, it’s just is the timing right? Because you can definitely see that there’s a lot there."
In four pre-season games, the Hobey Baker finalist has a goal and two points along with five shots, six takeaways and three blocks while averaging just under 14 minutes a game with a combination of different linemates.
However, the North Dakota native's aggression has also bitten him a bit too as he also has five giveaways and three penalties in that span.
But the upside is clear as day.
"He's trying," Brind'Amour said. "Every second, he's trying. And I think there's way more positives. You see that. He's done a real good job."
Blake spent two years at the University of North Dakota where he emerged as a prolific scorer and two-way player, especially last year when he was a Hobey Baker finalist.
"I think college is just such a good resource to develop you for the next level," Blake said. "Obviously I think North Dakota was the best spot for me. They do such a good job developing there and I played in the NCHC which I think is the hardest league to play in in college. I'm happy that I went the college route because I think it was the best way to set me up for success as a pro."
After signing his ELC in April, Blake was a black ace with the Hurricanes and then spent the majority of the summer in Raleigh working with the staff and fellow players.
"It's cool to come in here and be with all these pro guys who have all different experiences and just to kind of learn from them as a younger guy," Blake said.
Blake has definitely made the best case out of all the prospects for stealing a roster spot, but even that may not be enough this year with Carolina leaning towards a heavier bottom-six.
But the Canes aren't worried about rushing the 2021 fourth-round pick or any of their young standouts really, into the league.
"These are special players and we have a few of them," Brind'Amour said. "They're young so they're going to take some time. You don't want to rush these guys, but you can definitely see the potential. That's exciting and we just have to keep doing it right and keep getting them better, but it's definitely very promising."
The Hurricanes want to make sure they develop these players properly, but what's clear is that Blake is right on the cusp of becoming a full-time NHL player.
And whether he makes it or not, Blake is going to work just as hard.
"Just every day, day-by-day focus on what I can control and just work as hard as I can," Blake said. "Then hope for the best after that."
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