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). A first-round selection of the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Bean has built his career around smooth skating, offensive instincts from the back end, and the steady progression typical of top-drafted defencemen. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 173 pounds, he shoots left and has been a regular contributor at both the American Hockey League (AHL) and NHL levels.
Bean began his journey in his hometown of Calgary, Alberta, where his early play in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League set the stage for a standout junior career. He went on to develop with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League (WHL) before transitioning to the professional ranks with the Hurricanes, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Calgary Flames. Across each stop, he has been recognized for his poise with the puck and his ability to quarterback a power play.
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, which helped shape his early development as a defenceman. His hometown connection would later play an important role in his junior career, as he would suit up for the city’s WHL franchise, the Calgary Hitmen.
During the 2013–14 season, while playing for Edge School, Bean was awarded the Canadian Sport School Hockey League’s Elite 15 Top Defenceman award. The recognition highlighted his growing reputation as one of the top young blueliners in his age group. Although he went undrafted in the WHL Bantam Draft, his play in subsequent seasons quickly changed his trajectory and put him on the radar of NHL scouts.
Path to Hockey
Bean’s path to professional hockey accelerated when he signed with his hometown Calgary Hitmen of the WHL. In his rookie season with the Hitmen, he posted 39 points in 51 games and broke the team’s rookie record for most points in a single season by a rookie defenceman. The performance established him as one of the most promising young defencemen in the WHL.
The following season, Bean recorded a career high in goals and assists, a surge that pushed him up draft boards across the NHL. On July 9, 2016, shortly after being selected 13th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the club. At the conclusion of his 2016–17 season with the Hitmen, he was reassigned to the Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, although he did not appear in a game before returning to junior.
Jake Bean Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Following his 2016 draft selection and entry-level contract, Bean returned to the Calgary Hitmen to continue his development. During the 2017–18 season, he was named an alternate captain for the Hitmen alongside Beck Malenstyn, a leadership role that reflected his standing within the organization. On January 6, 2018, Bean was traded to the Tri-City Americans, a move that provided him with a new environment as he prepared for the jump to professional hockey.
His play during these junior years, combined with his offensive production and poise, gave the Hurricanes confidence in his long-term projection. By the end of the 2017–18 campaign, Bean had positioned himself as a near-term NHL prospect ready to begin his professional career in North America.
NHL Breakthrough with Carolina Hurricanes (2018–2021)
Bean began his first professional year in 2018–19 with the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL. On November 27, 2018, he was recalled by the Hurricanes and made his NHL debut against the Montreal Canadiens. The appearance marked the realization of years of junior development and confirmed his status as a full-time NHL defenceman in the making.
Over the following seasons in Carolina, Bean split time between the NHL roster and the Checkers, continuing to refine his two-way game. He remained a part of the Hurricanes organization until July 23, 2021, when he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
Columbus Blue Jackets Era (2021–2024)
Shortly after arriving in Columbus, Bean was signed as a restricted free agent to a three-year, $7 million contract extension with the Blue Jackets on July 30, 2021. The deal signalled the organization’s commitment to him as a building block on the back end. During his tenure with the Blue Jackets, he was given a consistent opportunity to log meaningful minutes in all situations.
Bean remained with Columbus through the end of his contract, developing into a reliable two-way defenceman with a focus on transition play and special teams. When his deal expired, he reached the open market as an unrestricted free agent.
Calgary Flames Era (2024–Present)
On July 1, 2024, Bean signed a two-year, $3.5 million contract with the Calgary Flames, returning to the city where he grew up and began his hockey journey. The move paired him with a young, rebuilding Flames roster in need of established NHL defencemen. His contract is set to run through the end of the 2025–26 season.
Since joining the Flames, Bean has continued to play a regular role on the blueline, contributing in even-strength situations and on the power play. His familiarity with the city and the organization has made the transition a smooth one, both on and off the ice.
Playing Style and Strengths
Bean is recognized for his smooth skating, strong hockey sense, and ability to contribute offensively from the back end. He excels in transition, moving the puck quickly out of the defensive zone and quarterbacking a power play with accurate passing and a hard shot. Defensively, his positioning and active stick have allowed him to take on tough matchups against opposing top forwards.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Bean’s early career came when he was selected 13th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes. He added another milestone by breaking the Calgary Hitmen’s rookie record for most points in a single season by a rookie defenceman. His NHL debut on November 27, 2018, against the Montreal Canadiens capped a long-anticipated transition to the professional ranks.
Jake Bean Family
Family Background and Hockey Roots
Jake Bean was raised in Calgary, Alberta, a city with a deep hockey tradition that played a significant role in his development as a player. His roots in the community have remained important throughout his career, particularly after he signed with his hometown Calgary Flames in 2024.
Personal Life
Bean is a Canadian citizen who grew up and continues to maintain ties to Calgary, Alberta. He has kept most details of his personal and family life private, focusing publicly on his professional career and ongoing development as an NHL defenceman.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 portion of the 2024–26 campaign, Jake Bean remains a steady presence on the Calgary Flames’ back end. His two-year contract, signed in July 2024, places him in the middle of his deal and gives the organization stability on defence as it continues to shape its young core. Bean is expected to play an important role in both even-strength matchups and special-teams situations.
For the 2025 season, Bean’s combination of offensive upside from the blue line and reliable defensive play makes him a key part of the Flames’ plans. The familiarity of playing in his hometown has provided a comfortable environment, and his experience with Carolina and Columbus has prepared him for the responsibilities of a top-four defenceman. With his contract running through 2026, he is positioned to be a central figure in the team’s long-term build.
As the Flames navigate the 2025 season, Bean’s production, leadership, and ability to log significant minutes will be closely watched by both the organization and its fan base. His continued development and consistency will likely determine his next contract and his role in the team’s future direction.
