One way to help rebuild an NHL franchise but keep the energy high while doing it is bringing in players who are inspired to play for that team. The Calgary Flames are incorporating more hometown flavour to the organization, through the draft with players like Andrew Basha, and via free agency with signings like Jake Bean.
On Sunday, the Flames signed local product Basha to an entry level deal — officially bringing one of their most impressive prospects from the 2024 NHL Draft into the fold after a strong first training camp.
The 18-year-old Calgarian was taken in the second round in the spring, 41st overall, and showed tremendous poise and maturity on and off the ice through development camp, the Young Stars Classic in Penticton, and a pair of preseason games with the big boy Calgary Flames.
He’s an energetic player who frustrates opponents with his intensity — but he’s also got a lot of skill. Basha had 30 goals and 85 points in just 63 games with the Medicine Hat Tigers last season. He’s translated that into a three year deal with a cap hit of $897,500.
Although he’ll likely play in the junior ranks for the next couple of years, he’s a player to watch as he grows his game and confidence.
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Bean was a key free agent signing who landed Oliver Kylington’s spot on the development chart when things went south in those negotiations. The Calgary product, whose father only recently left his post as Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation’s president and CEO, was an elite member of the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen before becoming a first-round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes back in 2016.
Bean had two promising AHL seasons with the Charlotte Checkers and his best NHL campaign was a seven-goal, 25-point season with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2021-22. He hasn’t been able to reach his perceived potential, however.
The Flames believe he can be a regular in their lineup, potentially as a top-four blueliner, and gave him a two-year, $3.5-million deal as a free agent this summer. He had a four-goal, 13-point season with the Blue Jackets last year but the Flames are hoping the change of scenery and return to his hometown will help.
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