Jackson Blake (born August 3, 2003) is an American professional ice hockey player who serves as a right winger for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). Blake emerged as one of college hockey’s most dynamic forwards during his two seasons at the University of North Dakota, where his exceptional playmaking ability and scoring touch drew significant attention from NHL scouts. The Carolina Hurricanes selected him in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, and he has since established himself as a promising young talent within their organization.
Jackson Blake Bio
Jackson Blake is the son of former NHL player Jason Blake, continuing a family legacy in professional hockey. Born in Fargo, North Dakota and raised in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Blake developed his passion for the game at an early age in a hockey-rich environment. His natural talent and dedication to the sport propelled him through youth and junior hockey before he became one of the most decorated college players in recent memory. Blake’s journey from Minnesota high school hockey to the NHL showcases his steady development and commitment to reaching the highest level of the sport.
Early Life and Background
Blake was born in Fargo, North Dakota, and his family later settled in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, where he would spend his formative hockey years. He played one season at Shattuck-Saint-Mary’s before moving to Eden Prairie High School, where he truly began to establish himself as a high-level prospect. During his sophomore year, Blake helped lead the Eagles to the Class 2A state tournament championship game, where they finished as runner-up, gaining valuable experience in high-pressure situations.
Blake experienced his breakout campaign during his junior year at Eden Prairie, recording an impressive 20 goals and 38 assists in just 19 games. The defining moment of his high school career came in the 2021 Class 2A state championship game, where he scored the game-winning double-overtime goal to secure the title for Eden Prairie. Following his senior year, Blake was selected to play in the USHL, joining the Chicago Steel for the 2020-21 season, where he would continue his development against older competition.
Path to Professional Hockey
During the 2020-21 USHL season with the Chicago Steel, Blake recorded seven goals and ten assists in 25 regular-season games while contributing one goal during the Clark Cup playoffs as the team captured the championship. The following season, he elevated his play significantly, recording 27 goals and 50 assists in 51 games, earning recognition as an All-USHL Third Team selection. His strong performance in the USHL, one of the top junior leagues in North America, solidified his status as a legitimate NHL prospect.
Blake’s success at the junior level paid immediate dividends when the Carolina Hurricanes selected him in the fourth round, 109th overall, during the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The selection represented a calculated investment in his potential, and Blake subsequently committed to playing college hockey at the University of North Dakota, where he would spend the next two seasons developing under the watchful eye of the Fighting Hawks coaching staff while dominating at the collegiate level.
Jackson Blake Career
College Career at North Dakota (2022–2024)
Blake began his collegiate career at North Dakota during the 2022-23 season, making an immediate impact as a freshman. He led the team in scoring with 16 goals and 26 assists in 39 games, while his 29 conference points led all NCHC rookies and ranked as the third-most points ever by a freshman in conference play. His exceptional freshman season earned him spots on the All-NCHC Rookie Team and All-NCHC Second Team, along with being named NCHC Rookie of the Year.
During his sophomore season in 2023-24, Blake reached even greater heights, recording 22 goals and 38 assists in 40 games. His 60 total points ranked fourth in all of Division I while his 38 assists placed him tied for third among all collegiate players. In conference play, he led the entire NCHC in scoring with 11 goals and 26 assists for 37 points, setting a new single-season record for points in conference play. Following the season, Blake was named a unanimous All-NCHC First Team selection, NCHC Player of the Year, and NCHC Forward of the Year. He was also honored as a Hobey Hat Trick finalist for the 2024 Hobey Baker Award, placing him among the nation’s elite college hockey players.
Carolina Hurricanes (2024–Present)
Following his decorated college career, Blake signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on April 10, 2024. He made his professional and NHL debut six days later in the Hurricanes’ regular-season finale against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Blake made the Hurricanes’ opening night roster for the 2024-25 season, indicating the organization believed he was ready for full-time NHL action.
On October 15, 2024, Blake scored his first NHL goal during a game against the New Jersey Devils, a milestone that marked the beginning of what would become an impressive rookie campaign. He finished his first full professional season with 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 points, ranking first among all NHL rookies in game-winning goals with six, a total that tied the Hurricanes’ franchise record for a rookie season. Blake appeared in all 15 of Carolina’s Stanley Cup Playoff games, recording six points to rank second among NHL rookies in playoff goals and points.
On July 25, 2025, the Hurricanes secured Blake’s long-term future by re-signing him to an eight-year, $45 million contract extension set to begin in the 2026-27 season. The deal signaled the organization’s confidence in his continued development and role as a core piece of their championship-contending roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Blake is known for his exceptional hockey sense, quick release, and ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His two-way play has improved steadily since turning professional, and his speed allows him to beat defenders in transition and retrieve loose pucks in the offensive zone. His right-handed shot and vision make him a constant threat on the power play, and his high compete level ensures he is reliable in all three zones.
Notable Events and Milestones
Blake’s career has already featured several memorable moments, including his championship-winning double-overtime goal in the 2021 Minnesota state tournament and his record-setting NCHC scoring season in 2023-24. His six game-winning goals as an NHL rookie tied a franchise record, and his consistent playoff contributions demonstrated his ability to elevate his game when the stakes were highest.
Jackson Blake Career Wins
Throughout his young career, Blake has accumulated wins and accolades at every level, from youth hockey through his first NHL season. His trophy case includes championship titles, individual awards, and record-setting performances that highlight his status as one of the most accomplished young players in hockey.
North Dakota Highlights
At the University of North Dakota, Blake was a dominant force over two seasons, recording 38 goals and 64 assists for 102 points in 79 career games. His 37 conference points during his sophomore season set an NCHC record, and his consistent scoring output made him one of the most feared forwards in college hockey. He earned NCHC Player of the Year honors in 2024 and was recognized as one of the top three players in the country as a Hobey Hat Trick finalist.
Other Wins and Performances
Blake’s championship pedigree extends beyond college hockey. He won the Clark Cup with the Chicago Steel in the USHL and captured the Minnesota Class 2A state championship with Eden Prairie High School in 2021. Internationally, he represented the United States at the 2023 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, earning a bronze medal while recording one goal and five assists in seven games.
| Season | Team | League | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | North Dakota | NCHC | 16 | 26 | 42 |
| 2023-24 | North Dakota | NCHC | 22 | 38 | 60 |
| 2024-25 | Carolina Hurricanes | NHL | 17 | 17 | 34 |
Jackson Blake Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Blake comes from a hockey family, as his father Jason Blake was a professional ice hockey player who spent parts of ten seasons in the NHL. Jason Blake played for several NHL teams during his career, providing his son with invaluable guidance and insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest level of the sport. Growing up in a household immersed in hockey undoubtedly contributed to Jackson’s development and passion for the game.
Personal Life
Blake attended Eden Prairie High School in Minnesota before moving on to the University of North Dakota for his collegiate career. He maintains connections to both his hometown and his college community. Blake has represented the United States internationally on multiple occasions, most notably at the 2023 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships where he helped the American team capture a bronze medal.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025-26 season marks an important chapter in Blake’s career as he enters his second full NHL season with elevated expectations. Coming off a successful rookie campaign that saw him contribute significantly during the regular season and playoffs, Blake is expected to take on a larger role within the Hurricanes’ lineup. His speed, skill, and hockey IQ make him a valuable asset in all game situations, and his chemistry with teammates continues to develop with each game played together.
Carolina enters the 2025-26 season with strong championship aspirations, and Blake’s continued growth will be instrumental in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup. The eight-year extension he signed in 2025 demonstrates the organization’s belief in his long-term potential, and he will look to reward that faith with consistent on-ice performance throughout the season. With a full offseason of training and NHL experience now under his belt, Blake appears poised to make an even greater impact in his sophomore season.
The Hurricanes’ coaching staff has expressed confidence in Blake’s ability to become a foundational player for the franchise. His work ethic, combined with his natural talent and family background in the sport, suggests that his best hockey may still be ahead of him. As he continues to adapt to the pace and demands of professional hockey, Blake remains focused on helping his team succeed while establishing himself as one of the league’s emerging young stars.