It has been a strong season thus far for the Carolina Hurricanes and head coach, Rod Brind'Amour has settled the atmosphere after an unsettling summer. A strong training camp and start to the season for rookie, Jackson Blake. After 31 games played, the 21-year-old has 7 goals and 3 assists. His overall play and energy were a key part of the Canes' successful start to the season,
Of late, Blake's play has generated positives but he has remained off the score sheet, which can be frustrating to a younger player who has been the focal scoring asset to his prior teams. Brind'Amour expects hustle and responsibility in every zone, which has been done. Due to the injury to Jake Drury, the depth at forward in the organization has been tested. Most of the players like Eric Robinson and Tyson Jost are new to the organization.
The coaching staff has strategically placed the former North Dakota University star in game positions that reward the most success. With that, Blake averages the second lowest average time on ice among regulars with 11:34 only ahead of William Carrier's 11:24.
The debate with younger players has always been about the benefit of experience at the NHL level or more playing time in the AHL. Blake is more than capable of playing in the NHL but similar to Jack Drury's path, the only path to staying with the Canes is playing a secondary, checking role. The development of Blake's offensive game could stunt from playing little minutes on the big club. It is clear that this kid has the shot to be an NHL sniper.
The willingness to commit to playing two-way hockey and give the hustle necessary to remain on Rod Brind'Amour's lineup card says a lot about this young man's character. If the minutes continue to dwindle, having a stint in Chicago to play some big minutes may not be a bad idea.