The Calgary Flames summoned defensive prospect Hunter Brzustewicz from the American Hockey League on Monday morning, prompting some pondering regarding why he was called up.

The mystery deepened when blueliner Jake Bean wasn’t on the ice for Monday’s morning skate prior to the Flames’ match-up with the Buffalo Sabres. After Monday’s morning skate at the Saddledome, Flames head coach Ryan Huska provided an explanation for Bean’s absence from the ice (via Flames TV).

“Yeah, Jake’s dealing with something and he’s being evaluated right now,” said Huska. “So he won’t play tonight, but I’ll have more info for you probably shortly.”

It’s not quite clear precisely what type of injury Bean could be dealing with. He was limited to just one shift of 1:11 in the final 9:57 of the Flames’ Saturday win over Utah. However, given that the Flames were playing with a 1-0 lead until their late empty net goal, that’s not out of the ordinary – Bean’s defensive partner Joel Hanley was similarly only used for 1:11 in the last 9:57 minutes of that game.

For Monday’s game, at least, Bean’s spot on the third pairing will be filled by Brayden Pachal. Time will tell if Brzustewicz will rotate in at some point, or if he’ll merely be a short-term insurance policy for the Flames.

A Calgary product, Bean is in his second season with the Flames after joining the club as a free agent during the 2024 off-season. He posted two goals and seven points in 64 games last season, playing primarily on the third pairing. So far this season, also primarily on the third pairing, he has one goal and two points in 16 games.

While Bean’s status is evaluated, the Flames remain without the services of Martin Pospisil (undisclosed), Sam Honzek (upper body) and Zayne Parekh (upper body). Parekh has been skating with the team in a yellow non-context jersey as he nears his return to action from his injury. He was named to the Canadian national junior team’s training camp roster on Monday and will be loaned to Team Canada by the Flames for the World Juniors.

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