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Canadiens Draft Options: Defenceman Jake Bean

By William Mccomb

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Noah Juulsen on stage with team executives after being selected as the number twenty-six overall pick to the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Noah Juulsen on stage with team executives after being selected as the number twenty-six overall pick to the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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If the Canadiens are looking for an offensive blueliner at the draft, Jake Bean led all WHL defenders in goals en route to a 64 point season.

For a player who ranked 3rd in points among all draft eligible defenders, Jake Bean is quietly sitting outside of the Top 10 in most mock drafts and draft rankings but his offensive style could sneak him into the top 10. Perhaps even as high as 9th to the Canadiens.

Bean’s ascent up draft boards has been due in large part to his offensive breakout with the Calgary Hitmen. He teamed with Flyers prospect Travis Sanheim and the duo combined to score over 130 points.

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Draft Rankings/Mock Drafts

Sportsnet – 17th

Draft Site – 10th

TSN Draft Rankings – 12th

ISS – 16th

McKeen’s – 12th

TSN Mock Draft – 16th

Hockey Prospect – 17th

Future Considerations – 16th

Bean’s offensive game is not in question at all among scouts. He is widely believed to be the best offensive contributor and best passer among defenders in this draft. A lot of scouts are unsure how he will transition defensively.

His skating and positioning are fine but questions persist about his size. At 6′ and less than 170 lbs, Bean is very small at the moment and many believe if he is unable to add muscle to his frame, he will be punished by bigger forwards.

Their has also been talk as to how much Travis Sanheim contributed to Bean’s success. They are also questioning how well Bean will play now that Sanheim is graduating to the pro ranks.

These are very valid concerns for the Canadiens, or any team for that matter. But going by the scouting reports on him, Bean has the potential to be a T.J. Brodie/Andrei Markov type of offensive player. 40-50 Point defenders are hard to come by and don’t grow on trees.

Bill Placzek of Draft Site has a very nice write up about Bean’s offensive abilities.

"One of the youngest players in the class. Might be the best puck distributor in the class of defenseman. His great passing gets him out of trouble in his own end. Has a great feel while acting as a QB on the attack and will hit a teammate with a pass and them instantly gets open to get it back. His stickhandling should get better and his shot can get stronger, but he projects as an attacking defenseman and possible the best puck-carrying defenseman in the class."

Future Considerations also highlights his offensive game but they also highlight where he needs improvement defensively.

"His defensive ability needs work as right now it consists of an active stick he uses to try to shut down opponents as they’re coming down wide on the rush. Needs some added strength and to improve his defensive positioning"

All told, Bean profiles as a smooth-skating defender who could be very special offensively. He needs to add size to his lanky frame and still needs work defensively.

Odds He’s Available to the Canadiens at 9 – Very High

I am having a difficult time finding a scenario where Bean jumps into the top 10. Among defenders, he is widely ranked as the 4th or 5th best at his position depending on where you rank Dante Fabbro. When you also factor in the top 6-7 forwards, Bean ranks right around 11-13th.

I am also having a difficult time finding any reasons for the Canadiens to select Bean over Mikhail Sergachev or Jakub Chychrun, if either one is available at 9th. This is not a knock on Bean, as he profiles as a potentially elite offensive player.

Next: Canadiens Draft Options: Possibility for Trading Up

However, both Sergachev and Chychrun would offer the Canadiens a more complete player. They are also not that far off from Bean’s level on offense.

If the Canadiens really wanted Bean, the best scenario to selecting him would be to trade down. This would enable them to get their player while also potentially grabbing an extra 2nd and/or 3rd round pick.

If the Canadiens were to select Bean at 9th, I believe that would be a reach and a very big risk. As good as Bean is now, he could turn out to be a Marc-Andre Bergeron-type of player if he doesn’t add size and play a more complete game.

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