Carolina Hurricanes pick a defensemen in Friday’s NHL Draft

RALEIGH, NC (HURRICANES) — With the 13th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, the Carolina Hurricanes have selected defenseman Jake Bean from Calgary of the Western Hockey League. The 6-foot, 173-pound blue liner led WHL defensemen with 24 goals, and he tallied 64 points in 68 games. NHL.com’s Mike Morreale said he’s “considered one of the smartest defensemen in the draft.”

The newest member of the Hurricanes organization, defenseman Jake Bean, met with the media shortly after being selected 13th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft. Here are some highlights from his first NHL scrum.

On being drafted: “It’s pretty special. I’m really grateful for the opportunity. It’s a really cool day or me and my family.”

On his game: “I’m a two-way defenseman who can play big minutes against the other team’s top guys. I’m a guy who sees the ice really well and can make a good first pass.”

On what he needs to improve: “My biggest thing for me is my strength. In some aspects that’s a good thing because inevitably it will come with growing into my body. With what I’ve been doing, it’s coming. If I can incorporate that into my game, it’s going to help me at the 200-foot level.”

On his offensive instincts: “I think it’s come a little bit naturally, but a lot of it has to do with work off the ice, watching video, shooting pucks and developing my basic skills.”

On playing with the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL: “I’ve been really fortunate. I’m surrounded by a first-class organization from the front office to the coaches, trainers and players. I can’t thank Calgary enough for what they’ve done for me and what they’re going to do for me in the future.”