The Calgary Flames' defensive lineup is facing a significant long-term change. Head coach Ryan Huska announced that defenceman Jake Bean will be out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for an undisclosed issue that has been bothering him for some time.
A Long-Term Absence on the Blueline
Flames coach Ryan Huska delivered the news on Thursday, December 18, 2025, revealing that Bean's condition had reached a point where surgery was the only viable option. "It is something longer-term," Huska explained. "It just got to the point where it wasn't responding much to anything, so this is the best path forward for him." While the team has not officially declared Bean's season over, the indefinite timeline casts serious doubt on his return this year.
The 27-year-old Calgary native has appeared in 16 games for the Flames this season, recording one goal and one assist. Last season, he was a more regular fixture, playing in 64 games. His current contract is set to expire at the end of this season, making this injury an especially tough break at a critical juncture in his career.
Hunter Brzustewicz's Chance to Shine
Bean's misfortune has opened the door for promising young defenceman Hunter Brzustewicz. The 21-year-old, recalled last week, has immediately impressed the coaching staff and his teammates. In three consecutive games prior to Thursday's matchup with the Seattle Kraken, Brzustewicz has shown remarkable composure, posting a +1 rating while playing on the third pairing alongside Joel Hanley.
His partner on the ice, Joel Hanley, was quick to praise the rookie's early performances. "I love it, he's shown a lot of confidence and poise with the puck," Hanley said. "You can tell he's a great player and is going to have a great future. Poise with the puck is the big thing, he doesn't panic. It seems like he makes the right play with the puck most times."
A Prospect on the Rise
Brzustewicz's calm demeanor with the puck is a trait that has defined his young career. Acquired by the Flames as a key piece in the Elias Lindholm trade with the Vancouver Canucks in early 2024, his stock has been steadily rising. Originally selected 75th overall by the Canucks in the 2023 NHL Draft, Brzustewicz honed his skills with the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL, where he put up impressive offensive numbers.
For the past 15 months, he has been developing his game with the Calgary Flames' AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers, patiently waiting for his NHL opportunity. His call-up last week and subsequent strong play now position him to potentially claim a permanent spot on the Flames' roster for the foreseeable future, turning an injury crisis for one player into a career-defining chance for another.
