The Hurricanes are spending their off day in their first-round series against Nashville by taking care of one of their prospects as the team announced that they’ve signed forward Blake Murray to a three-year, entry-level contract. The deal will carry a cap hit of $758K. GM Don Waddell had the following statement on the signing:
Blake has shown his goal-scoring abilities in the Ontario Hockey League. We’re looking forward to helping him reach his potential as he takes the next steps in his career.
Murray was a sixth-round pick (183rd overall) of the Hurricanes back in 2019 out of Sudbury of the OHL. Waddell is certainly correct that the 19-year-old has shown an ability to score at the junior level as he reached the 30-goal mark in both 2018-19 and 2019-20. However, he didn’t have the opportunity to make it three straight years with that league not playing this season. Fortunately for him, he was able to find a spot overseas as Murray got into 16 games with Surahammars of Sweden’s HockeyEttan where he continued to produce, notching seven goals and 16 assists which certainly helped his case to be signed.
Had they not signed Murray, Carolina would have lost his rights on June 1st; with that deadline now just over a week away, there could be more transactions like this over the coming days. In the meantime, Murray will turn pro next season and will push for a spot with AHL Chicago.
Unfortunately, not Charlotte but Chicago.
The Hurricanes affiliate is no longer Charlotte. They are with Chicago and have played this season.
@hurricane johnny & @mikedickinson – 2
@Brian – 0
Time to pull the netminder for an extra attacker, @Brian.
@Brian just cut your lead in half, guys! Time to eye an ENG!