Carolina Hurricanes: Is Jake Bean Ready For the NHL?

Jake Bean is one of the best prospects that the Carolina Hurricanes have in their system. But when can we finally see him in the NHL?

When it comes to defense, the Carolina Hurricanes arguably have one of the best the NHL has to offer. But what many don’t realize is, the Canes have just as much defensive depth in the system as they do on the actual team. One player that specifically stands out to most is Jake Bean, and especially how great he is on the Power Play.

Acquiring Jake Bean

Jake Bean was drafted 13th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2016 NHL Draft. Since being drafted, Bean has managed to play very well at both the WHL and AHL levels.

Bean played 4 seasons and got to see some playoff games with the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL before making his way to the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL where he has been for the past 2 seasons.

Bean has really managed to make a name for himself his whole career and he is proving more and more every game that he is deserving of a spot on the Hurricanes roster.

Assessing Jake Bean and His Play

Before playing in the AHL, Bean had already been a very elite player in the WHL and was looking to take his success with him.

In his 4 seasons (and a couple playoff appearances) he finished with a total of 185 points and averaged 46.25 points a season with the Calgary Hitmen. This sounds like a lot but what really amazes most is the fact that he could surpass these numbers while down in Charlotte depending on how long he stays at the AHL level.

Bean, currently playing with the Charlotte Checkers, is having a fantastic year and has managed to notch 32 points in 41 games (7 goals and 25 assists) in just his 2nd season with the Checkers. He is currently 2nd in total points this season as well, just 3 points behind Janne Kuokkanen who leads the Checkers with 35.

Although this is only Bean’s 2nd season down in Charlotte he is surely making a name for himself and is on pace to finish the season with 59 points.

Bean’s fantastic play with the Checkers this season even earned him a much deserved spot in the 2020 AHL All-Star Classic.

In Bean’s first season with the Checkers he finished with 44 points in 70 games (13 goals and 31 assists) and was a +17.

You can really tell the more hockey Jake Bean plays, the more comfortable he gets.

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Jake Bean On the Power Play

The most amazing thing about Jake Bean that a lot of people don’t realize is that he has been nothing short of great on the Power Play while down in Charlotte.

In just 2 season’s with the Checkers, Bean has carried the spotlight when it comes to the PP units and has managed to get 36 PP points in his past 2 seasons (7 goals and 29 assists).

Bean really brings an amount of confidence and stamina when it comes to playing on the PP and that’s something that the Hurricanes could really use on their special teams unit.

Final Thoughts

From playing stellar in the WHL, to having a smooth transition to the AHL, to earning a spot in the AHL All-Star Classic this season, I don’t see a reason why he doesn’t deserve a shot on the Carolina Hurricanes roster whether it be next season or the season after.

Just imagine Jake Bean and Dougie Hamilton as a defensive pair next season on the PP unit, it sure would be fun to watch.

Question for CC Readers: What do you think about Jake Bean and his play? Do you think he could be on the Hurricanes roster next season?