Ben Shelley: Jake Bean should have a spot in the Hurricanes' lineup next season

Bean needs to earn it.

I doubt he beats out a healthy Gardiner. He should be traded to team looking for a LHD.

Actually I think that the problem with Bean is dealing with NHL forwards size/ speed! If he can get by with the physicality of THEM...MAYBE WE HAVE A KEEPER!
I'm not sure, overly opptomistic... ??

Deal Bean and Reimer to AZ for Kemper

He has to earn it? So far he's done all he can. He needs minutes so he can show thar he earns it.

Carolina's D is pretty crowded so until injuries or Carolina can trade a Dman there doesn't appear to be any room on Carolina's D for Bean. Hamilton, Slavin, Skjei, Pesce, Gardiner & Fleury is their top 6 currently & they signed 1 blackace so far in Jokim Ryan.

There was a rumour Carolina would like to trade Gardiner but with a 4.025 cap hit for 3 more years good luck with that, you can never say never as they could try to pay someone to take Gardiner's contract but in a flat pandemic cap world, I don't see that happening. The could bury Gardiner in the minors I guess to make room but it doesn't make sense to bring Bean up to the NHL to be a blackace a #7/8 Dman so again baring a trade or until injuries hit Bean looks to be heading to the minors as he still doesn't have to clear waivers until an injury opens a roster spot.

Fleury could be bumped to a blackace spot so Bean can play but I assume McKeown or Forsling will be the other blackace.

I think he will split the season between the AHL & NHL as an injury replacement or a trade opens up a roster spot becoming a full-time NHL Dman in 21/22, slowly earning his minutes and opportunities.