4. Jake Bean
Team: Calgary Hitmen, WHL Pos: D
Age: 18 Size: 6-foot-1, 172 pounds
Last season: 68 games played, 24 goals, 40 assists
Great on his skates and hands like a forward, Jake Bean’s offensive skills are the epitome of today’s offensive-defensemen. His vision of the ice allows him time and space to create scoring chances for himself. Once he is in a scoring situation, Bean’s high-level skill and accurate shot allow him to score goals that are out of character for a defenseman.
Jake Bean is positionally sound and plays with a confidence that allows him to make plays other defensemen aren’t as confident to make.
Some believe Bean will have a difficult time transitioning to the NHL, but offensive skills like his are hard to find.
