Jake Bean – a future top four defenseman
Carolina Hurricanes fans were very excited earlier this year when the Canes called up Jake Bean for a short spell, following injuries to Brett Pesce and Haydn Fleury on defense. While he only played two games, and had very limited ice time in each, he made no serious mistakes and can be proud of his solid start to his NHL career.
While continuing to develop in the AHL, Bean has had himself an excellent season thus far. He has already potted five goals, alongside 12 assists, for a total of 17 points in 29 games. Considering this is his first professional season, he is performing better than realistic expectation could have afforded. While he may see some further NHL action this year if injuries dictate, it’s more likely that Bean finishes the year in Charlotte and makes a concerted run for a roster spot with the Canes in next year’s training camp.
If the Canes are able to bring up Necas and Bean, sign Fox and bring in Mattheos, this will be a significantly younger, faster and more dynamic Carolina Hurricanes team. It would leave the prospect cupboard fairly bare, but the Canes will have their 2019 draft picks by then, and would certainly have the support of the fanbase.