May 30, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jake Bean (24) celebrates his third period goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning in game one of the second round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
The Carolina Hurricanes have submitted their expansion draft protection list and with their protections, they will only have 4 players under contract on the defensive side. With Chris Johnston of Sportsnet reporting that Ron Francis is more than likely going to select Jake Bean in the expansion draft, the Canes have to target some free agents.