Jake Bean, Carolina Hurricanes (Photo by Stephane Dube /Getty Images)
Jake Bean was the AHL’s best defender last year by common consensus, but what next for the Calgary, Alberta native?
In 2016, the Carolina Hurricanes used the 13th overall pick on a defender from Alberta. His name was Jake Bean. Commonly regarded as one of the best prospects in the Carolina system during his entire time with the organization, Bean truly took that next step last season en route to becoming a permanent fixture on the Carolina Hurricanes blueline for the long term.
But as of late, Bean has really started to establish himself as a top tier defender at the American Hockey League level.