Blake Inks 8-Year, $45 Million Deal With Hurricanes in Major Commitment…read more…
RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes have made a significant investment in their future, officially signing forward Logan Blake to an eight-year, $45 million contract extension, the team announced Friday. The deal locks in the 23-year-old until the end of the 2032-33 NHL season, averaging $5.625 million annually.
The contract, which includes both signing bonuses and a limited no-trade clause in the final four years, signifies the Hurricanes’ confidence in Blake as a key piece of their long-term core. For a team perennially chasing Stanley Cup contention, the move also signals a commitment to internal development and roster continuity.
Blake’s Rise in Carolina
Blake was originally selected by the Hurricanes in the second round (41st overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft. After developing in the American Hockey League with the Chicago Wolves, Carolina’s affiliate, Blake made his NHL debut during the 2022-23 season. His breakthrough came last season when he posted 21 goals and 29 assists for 50 points in 77 games, solidifying his place in the top-six forward group.
“He’s earned this,” Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell said in a press conference announcing the deal. “Logan plays a 200-foot game. He’s smart, physical when he needs to be, and has the kind of hockey IQ that makes him a weapon in all situations. We see him as a foundational player for years to come.”
Blake’s versatility and two-way presence have made him a favorite of head coach Rod Brind’Amour, who praised the young forward’s maturity and work ethic.
“He’s coachable, he competes every shift, and you can trust him late in tight games,” Brind’Amour said. “That’s the kind of guy you want around.”
Contract Structure and Value
The $45 million total is structured with a front-loaded component, including a $5 million signing bonus in Year 1. The first three seasons are heavily weighted with base salary, while the latter years decrease slightly, helping the Hurricanes maintain cap flexibility.
The deal also includes a limited no-trade clause starting in the fifth year, giving Blake some control over his future once he hits his late 20s. It is a contract that both the team and the player described as “fair” and “balanced.”
Blake’s camp, represented by agent Allie Prescott of CAA Hockey, expressed satisfaction with the terms. “Logan loves it in Carolina. He’s grown as a player and person in this organization, and this contract reflects his commitment to helping the Hurricanes win a Cup,” Prescott said.
From a team salary cap standpoint, Blake’s $5.625 million AAV represents a manageable figure for a player in his prime. It compares favorably to other contracts signed by young, emerging forwards across the NHL. The deal essentially buys out four years of unrestricted free agency, something the Hurricanes have prioritized in recent years with their younger talent.
Player Reaction: ‘I Want to Win Here’
Speaking to reporters shortly after the news broke, Blake appeared calm but visibly thrilled. “It’s a dream come true,” he said. “From the day I got drafted here, this is where I’ve wanted to be. We’ve got unfinished business in that locker room, and I want to be part of bringing a championship to Raleigh.”
When asked about the pressure that comes with a long-term, high-value contract, Blake downplayed any nerves. “Pressure is part of it, but I’m focused on the team. I don’t think this changes how I play or how I prepare. If anything, it makes me want to push even harder.”
Blake also credited teammates like Sebastian Aho and Jordan Staal for mentoring him in his early NHL years. “Those guys showed me how to be a pro. It’s not just about skill—it’s about consistency and competing every night.”
The Bigger Picture for the Hurricanes
With Blake now locked in, the Hurricanes continue to shape a roster that combines homegrown youth with experienced veterans. Carolina has recently made similar long-term commitments to players like Andrei Svechnikov and defenseman Jaccob Slavin, demonstrating a belief in their internal development pipeline.
“This isn’t just about next season. This is about building something sustainable,” said Waddell. “You need guys who want to be here, and Logan is one of those players. He wants to be part of what we’re building.”
Blake’s signing comes at a critical time for the organization, which has made several deep playoff runs over the past five seasons but has yet to reach the Stanley Cup Final under Brind’Amour. With aging veterans and a tightening cap landscape, smart financial decisions around younger players have become paramount.
Analysts around the league largely praised the move, noting that while Blake may not be a superstar, his reliability and upside make him a valuable asset.
“Carolina got ahead of the market,” said TSN’s Pierre LeBrun. “If Blake continues on his current trajectory, this deal will look like a bargain in a few years.”
Fan Response and Franchise Legacy
News of the signing was met with widespread approval from the Hurricanes’ fan base, many of whom took to social media to congratulate Blake. Jerseys bearing his name sold out online within hours, and fans flooded PNC Arena’s team store to grab fresh No. 72s.
Blake’s popularity has grown steadily in Raleigh, not just because of his play, but his community engagement. He’s active in youth hockey clinics, works with local charities, and is a frequent visitor to area schools.
“He’s a role model for our kids,” said Theresa Madden, a youth coach in the Triangle area. “Seeing someone like Logan succeed and commit long-term to this team means a lot to young fans.”
Looking Ahead
With the ink now dry on Blake’s deal, the focus shifts to on-ice results. Carolina enters the upcoming season once again as a strong contender in the Eastern Conference. Blake is expected to play a key role on the second line and top penalty kill unit.
The Hurricanes’ front office hopes this move sends a message—to fans, to players, and to the rest of the NHL: this team is built to contend, not just today, but for years to come.
And with Logan Blake in the fold unt
il 2033, that window of contention just got a little wider.