NHL
Ian Cole Becomes a Colorado Avalanche Blueliner
The Colorado Avalanche handsomely rewarded Ian Cole with a three-year, $12.75 million contract when NHL free agency opened on July 1st. Many wondered if Cole was worth the AAV of $4.25 million. There were some grumblings from fans that Cole, 29, is on the decline, skill wise. Also, that he will not be able to elevate his game to be a true top duo defenseman. After winning back-to-back Stanley Cup championships with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Cole lost his top-six role with the Penguins last season. He was traded to Ottawa, then to Columbus after his fall from grace. Both moves were seen as essentially salary dumps, as he was making $2.1 million last season.
Very excited to start this new chapter of my career in Denver with the @Avalanche. Looking forward to help build on this team’s success. Huge thank you to everyone who helped me get to here – family, friends, and all my past teammates and organizations #GoAvsGo
— Ian Cole (@ICole28) July 1, 2018
Ian Cole A True Top Duo Defenseman?
“Ian has been a part of two (Stanley) Cup teams, brings leadership and a veteran presence to our blue line,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President & General Manager Joe Sakic. “He’s a strong puck-moving defenseman who is solid in his own zone and kills penalties. We are pleased to have him under contract for the next three years.”
During the offseason, Avalanche GM Joe Sakic made a point that he wants his team to be even younger than it was last year. The exception is signing Cole, who will be counted on to start the season. With Nikita Zadorov and Patrick Nemeth undergoing off-season surgery, his veteran leadership and experience on winning teams will do wonders for a young squad. The significant boost in salary for the steady, if not flashy, the left-handed defenseman will be a test of his strength and conditioning, as he has yet to pass the 20-minute mark per game in his career. Cole will take on an expanded role with the Avalanche and surmount that minute per game plateau. He will most likely be paired with right-handed shooting Tyson Barrie or Erik Johnson on the top 4.
#GoAvsGo
In a thin market for defenders in the off-season, throwing money at Cole was a necessity, especially given the fact that last season the Avalanche blueliners struggled mightily. Cole is a veteran leader and is an experienced winner. The bar has been set high in Denver, with last seasons success and playoff run. Ian Cole will help to solidify a crowded blue line by being a stay-at-home defender who will help kill penalties.
