Jake Bean-Brayden Pachal
The battle for the Flames third pairing has been one of the stories to watch this off-season in Calgary, and while Brayden Pachal was likely locked in after his season a year ago, the other spot isn't quite as straight forward. In Pachal, the Flames are getting a defensive specialist, with his performance in 33 games a season ago after being picked up on waivers winning him plenty of fans
Brayden Pachal is on fire this preseason! He ties the game for the Flames 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xmzE41pq21
— FlamesNation (@FlamesNation) October 1, 2024
In Bean, the Flames get yet another home town kid, and while his future isn't as bright as the young names coming through the organization, he will be a solid piece with offensive upside alongside the defensive minded Pachal. Bean's best season came with Columbus back in 2021/22 when he tallied 7 goals and 25 points in 67 games played, so while he won't put up some big numbers, Bean will be the sixth defenseman on the roster until the team take a look at someone like Jeremie Poirier or Hunter Brzustewicz, depending on how they start in the NHL.
Extra Flames defenseman; Hunter Brzustewicz, Joel Hanley, Ilya Solovyov, Jeremie Poirier, Jarred Tinordi, potentially Tyson Barrie.