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Jake Bean is one of the Carolina Hurricanes’ top prospects. He was drafted 13th overall in 2016 and was just named AHL Defenseman of the Year this past season. Now 22 years old though, he’s still played just two NHL games– but we can expect that to change this season.
There shouldn’t be much doubt that Bean is ready for the NHL. In the 2019-20 season, Bean scored 10 goals and 48 points in 58 AHL games with the Charlotte Checkers and between individual achievements, as well as Charlotte’s Calder Cup in 2019, Bean has accomplished all he can in AHL.
It would be ideal to start Bean on the third pairing with Haydn Fleury, behind Jaccob Slavin, Dougie Hamilton, Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei. However, if the Hurricanes aren’t able to move Jake Gardiner this offseason, they could be in a bit of a predicament. The team would have seven defensemen and you have to think the Hurricanes wouldn’t be willing to just stick Gardiner in the press box night after night, given what that would do to any remaining trade value he has.
It’ll be key for the Hurricanes to find a spot for Bean in what could be a crowded defense group next season. However, despite the lack of NHL experience thus far, signs point to Bean becoming a successful NHL defenseman.
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Here’s today’s poll question (results and discussion will be posted in a future article):
Hurricanes and Warren Foegele can still avoid arbitration Hurricanes re-sign Warren Foegele Analyzing Warren Foegele’s new contract Will the Hurricanes stick with Petr Mrazek and James Reimer in net? Hurricanes will need to be prepared for an expensive 2021 offseason