The Flames are shutting down defenseman Jake Bean indefinitely due to his undisclosed injury, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 reports. He’s undergoing surgery, with no certainty that he’ll be back this season.
Bean hasn’t played since Dec. 6, missing Calgary’s last four games over what’s been a light schedule. He was placed on injured reserve shortly thereafter. His injury has been plaguing him for some time, Steinberg said, perhaps explaining his diminished impact in Calgary if it dates back to last season.
The Flames signed Bean to a two-year, $3.5MM contract in free agency in 2024. Since then, he’s managed only nine points in 80 games with a -7 rating while averaging 15:16 of ice time per night.
A first-round pick by the Hurricanes back in 2016, Bean has usually only carved himself a role if he’s clicking offensively. His career-best season came with the Blue Jackets in 2021-22, when he recorded 25 points in 67 games while averaging over 20 minutes per night. The following season, he was limited to 14 games before undergoing shoulder surgery that ended his campaign in November. He hasn’t had the same impact since and was non-tendered by Columbus following the 2023-24 season, leading to him signing with his hometown Flames.
Calgary will now be down a depth option on defense for the foreseeable future. His absence should mean more guaranteed playing time for in-season call-up Yan Kuznetsov on the left side. He’s played in 20 straight since being recalled from the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers in early November and has skated at least 20 minutes in his last 13 games.