The Carolina Hurricanes’ prospect showcase team takes the ice for the first time this afternoon in a matinee against the Washington Capitals.
Defenseman Jake Bean was not originally planned to be part of the showcase roster, but an injury to roster invitee Merrick Rippon ruled him out of the tournament and opened the door for Bean, one of two players on the Canes roster who spent time last season in the NHL, to make an appearance.
The other of those two players, Janne Kuokkanen, makes his return to the ice today in his first appearance in a competitive game since suffering an injury in January that ended what was a very promising season.