2016 Pick 1: Jake Bean (D) 13th Overall 197 GP 13 G 43 A 76 PIM
Two picks in the first round of this draft and two busts. Neither player has become an impact NHL player at this point in their careers. Jake Bean was billed as an offensive defenseman coming out of junior hockey. He was very productive for the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL and his productivity continued during his time in the AHL in the Hurricanes organization. However, he never was able to have the same success at the NHL level. It seemed that Bean was not given a fair shake for the Hurricanes. He only played 44 games for the ‘Canes before his rights were traded to Columbus for a 2nd round pick (Aleksi Heimosalmi: on loan in Finland). Bean must not have shown the coaching staff he could be productive at this level in practice considering his usage throughout his time with the organization.
2016 Pick 2: Julian Guathier (RW) 180 GP 19 G 22 A 44 PIM
Julian Gauthier was another miss for the Hurricanes. He was a big-bodied forward expected to be a net front presence and provide a heavy game in the style of a Jordan Staal. While Gauthier was productive in the QMJHL, he has not shown any level of productivity at the professional level. The Hurricanes cut their losses early and traded him away to the New York Rangers in return for defenseman Joey Keane, who played in 1 game for the Hurricanes and is currently overseas in Russia. This is an easy swap with the position for the position if the ‘Canes are drafted differently. They missed on picking Charlie MaCavoy (14th Overall) and Tage Thompson (26th Overall). These were both similar prospects at the time to Bean and Gauthier, but both have turned into all-stars.