Carolina Hurricanes Rookies Shine During Stanley Cup Playoffs

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes are relying on two standout rookies in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Jackson Blake and Logan Stankoven, as they gear up for the Eastern Conference finals. Both players have exceeded expectations this season and are integral to the team’s success.

Blake, a 21-year-old who was a fourth-round pick in 2021, impressed the coaching staff throughout his first NHL training camp. He quickly earned his spot on the roster, finishing the regular season with 17 goals while playing on the top power-play unit.

Stankoven, who previously played for the Dallas Stars, also made his way to the Hurricanes via trade. Carolina’s General Manager Eric Tulsky highlighted Stankoven’s skill and competitive nature as key reasons for the acquisition. “Our coaches and scouting staff all agreed that he’s built to play for the Hurricanes,” Tulsky said.

With the most rookies among the league’s final four teams, Blake and Stankoven have shown resilience in high-pressure situations. Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal praised their performances, stating, “They’ve already had big moments, and they played great. They’re big-time players and they’re here for a reason.”

Both rookies have tallied respectable playoff numbers so far. Stankoven has scored three goals, matching stars like Aleksander Barkov and Connor McDavid, while both he and Blake have recorded five points in the postseason.

Despite their inexperience, both players have adapted well to Coach Rod Brind’Amour’s system. Star forward Sebastian Aho noted, “They’re both really skilled and offensive-minded, but they can play the game the right way. In the playoffs, it’s about more than scoring goals.”

Heading into the series against the Florida Panthers, Blake and Stankoven are finding their roles within the team. Blake has joined a line centered by Jesperi Kotkaniemi, while Stankoven pairs with Taylor Hall on a different line.

Stankoven is drawing from his experiences last postseason with Dallas. “It’s time to get over that hump,” he said. “It would be a dream come true to play in the finals. You make the most of it for the guys in the room.”

The infusion of youthful energy is helping to motivate veteran players who seek a championship. Aho described the impact of the rookies, saying it “definitely brings energy in a room and on the ice.”

Blake remarked on the difference between the playoffs and his previous experiences, stating, “College was just one game and you’re done. The team that wears the other team down usually comes out successful.”

Brind’Amour is pleased with Blake’s performance, noting, “He’s still a young kid…but he’s not afraid of the moment. He looks right at home.”

As they prepare for the next challenge, Stankoven expressed his growing comfort with the team. “It feels like I’ve been here for quite a while now, a couple years,” he said. “But obviously it’s only been a few months.”