Jake Bean Bio
Jake Bean (born June 9, 1998) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenceman for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 185 centimeters tall and weighing 78 kilograms, Bean was selected 13th overall in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes. He is recognized for his smooth skating, offensive instincts from the blue line, and his steady development through one of the top junior programs in Western Canada.
Early Life and Background
Jake Bean was born on June 9, 1998, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Growing up in a city with deep hockey roots, he was surrounded by the sport from a young age, with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League serving as a familiar local presence. Calgary’s strong youth hockey infrastructure gave Bean early access to high-level coaching and competitive play, helping shape his path toward a professional career.
Bean attended Edge School, a private institution in Calgary that combines academic studies with elite athletic training. While playing for Edge School during the 2013–14 season, he was awarded the Canadian Sport School Hockey League’s Elite 15 Top Defenceman award, a recognition reserved for the top blueliners in the league. The award signaled his emergence as one of the most promising young defencemen in Canadian hockey and helped him attract attention from major junior scouts.
Path to Professional Hockey
Although he eventually reached the WHL, Bean went undrafted in the WHL Bantam Draft. He was able to sign with his hometown Calgary Hitmen as an undrafted free agent, joining one of the most established programs in junior hockey. In his rookie season with the Hitmen, Bean posted 39 points in 51 games and broke the franchise rookie record for most points in a single season by a rookie defenceman, immediately establishing himself as a cornerstone of the team’s future.
The following season, Bean recorded career highs in goals and assists, a performance that convinced the Carolina Hurricanes to select him 13th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. On July 9, 2016, he was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Hurricanes. He spent additional time with the Hitmen to refine his game, was named an alternate captain, and was later traded to the Tri-City Americans on January 6, 2018, gaining further junior experience before turning professional.
Jake Bean Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Bean began his professional career in the 2018–19 season with the Charlotte Checkers, the AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes. On November 27, 2018, he was recalled and made his NHL debut with the Hurricanes against the Montreal Canadiens, marking the realization of a lifelong dream. Over the following seasons, he split time between the NHL and the AHL, working to adjust to the speed and physical demands of professional hockey while continuing to develop his two-way game.
During his time in the Hurricanes organization, Bean established himself as a reliable, mobile defenceman capable of contributing offensively from the back end. He was part of a deep Hurricanes prospect pool, and while his role fluctuated between Carolina and Charlotte, he gained valuable experience in a structured, defense-first system. His development reached a turning point in July 2021.
Carolina Hurricanes Era (2018–2021)
Bean’s debut with the Hurricanes came during the 2018–19 season following his recall from the Charlotte Checkers. He appeared in his first NHL game on November 27, 2018, against the Montreal Canadiens, stepping into a Hurricanes lineup known for its disciplined structure. Over parts of three seasons, he continued to refine his game, logging time at both the AHL and NHL levels while contributing to a Hurricanes team that remained a consistent playoff contender in the Eastern Conference.
On July 23, 2021, Bean was traded by the Hurricanes to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The trade signaled a fresh start for the young defenceman and ended his developmental chapter with the organization that had drafted him.
Columbus Blue Jackets Era (2021–2024)
As a restricted free agent following the trade, Bean was signed to a three-year, $7 million contract extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets on July 30, 2021. The commitment from Columbus reflected the organization’s belief in his potential as a top-four defenceman. He was given a meaningful role with the Blue Jackets, often playing on the power play and logging significant minutes in all situations.
During his three seasons in Columbus, Bean continued to grow as a reliable two-way contributor. Although the Blue Jackets faced challenging seasons on the ice, Bean’s steady play and offensive touch from the blue line provided a foundation for the team’s future. His contract expired at the end of the 2023–24 season, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Calgary Flames Era (2024–Present)
As a free agent, Jake Bean was signed to a two-year, $3.5 million contract with the Calgary Flames on July 1, 2024, returning to his hometown after beginning his junior career with the Calgary Hitmen. The move brought him back to the city where he grew up, giving him the opportunity to play in front of family and friends while contributing to a Flames team in a competitive Western Conference division.
Now established as a veteran of multiple NHL organizations, Bean has embraced a leadership role with the Flames. His combination of skating, puck-moving ability, and hockey IQ has made him a trusted presence on the Calgary blue line. He continues to build on the experience he gained in Carolina and Columbus, with his current contract running through the 2025–26 NHL season.
Driving Style and Strengths
On the ice, Jake Bean is known for his smooth skating, strong puck-handling, and offensive instincts as a defenceman. He is comfortable joining the rush, quarterbacking the power play, and creating plays from the blue line. His mobility allows him to recover defensively, and his poise under pressure has earned him consistent ice time at the NHL level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Bean’s most notable milestones are his 13th overall selection in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, his record-setting rookie season with the Calgary Hitmen, and his NHL debut against the Montreal Canadiens on November 27, 2018. He has also been recognized for earning the CSSHL Elite 15 Top Defenceman award during his time at Edge School, a distinction that helped launch his path to the NHL.
Jake Bean Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Jake Bean was raised in Calgary, Alberta, in a Canadian family with strong ties to the local hockey community. Growing up in a city known for producing NHL talent, he benefited from the same grassroots development system that has shaped many of Canada’s top professional players.
Personal Life
Off the ice, Bean maintains a private personal life. He was born and raised in Calgary, and his return to the Calgary Flames in 2024 brought him back to the city where he grew up. He continues to focus on his professional career with the Flames while remaining connected to the community that first developed his love for the game.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NHL season marks the second year of Jake Bean’s contract with the Calgary Flames. Playing in his hometown, he has continued to serve as a steady, mobile presence on the team’s blue line, contributing in all situations. His familiarity with the organization and the city has made for a smooth transition into a depth role that allows the Flames to manage their defensive rotation effectively.
As the season unfolds, Bean’s role within the Flames lineup remains important, particularly on the power play and in matchup-driven defensive situations. His experience from time with the Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets has prepared him to handle the demands of a Western Conference schedule. The Flames continue to lean on his skating and puck-moving skills as they push for a competitive position in the standings.
Looking ahead, Bean’s contract is set to run through the 2025–26 NHL season, giving him stability and the opportunity to further establish himself as a long-term piece of the Calgary Flames’ defensive core. His ongoing development and consistent contributions will be key factors in the team’s pursuit of postseason success.