This off-season, the general manager of the Boston Bruins has a lot on his plate.
The team needs defensive depth on the left side, a winger to maybe take Jake DeBrusk’s place in the starting lineup, and a top-six centre. The Bruins have two left-shot defensemen who seem to be quite good in Mason Lohrei and Hampus Lindholm. Following that, Boston’s only NHL depth to speak of is Parker Wotherspoon, who is playing on his off-side. Boston could use a reliable seventh defenseman, but they don’t really need a real minutes eater.
Defenseman Ian Cole of the Vancouver Canucks is one name that has recently been circulating in rumours. The 35-year-old blue-liner is a free agent without restrictions, and the Bruins may consider using him as backup insurance and a source of leadership. Cole has played in 826 regular-season games during his 14-year career, having been selected with the 18th overall choice in the 2007 NHL Draft.
Cole, who signed a three-year, $3 million contract with the Canucks, participated in 78 games during the regular season, scoring two goals and dishing out nine assists. Cole averaged 16:49 of ice time, two assists, and a minus-3 rating in 13 postseason games. Cole had 166 blocks this season, so one skill he brings to the table is shot blocking.
After Pittsburgh won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, Cole went on to win two more Stanley Cups.
When the Ann Arbour, Michigan native joins this offseason, he might be joining his eighth different team in his career. With the likelihood that Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort will be leaving the Bruins this summer, the team is in need of left-shot defensemen. Cole would provide Boston with another seasoned player who can partially assume Forbort’s penalty-killing responsibilities.
Cole is more of a defensive player; this season, he has made 63 percent of his zone starts on defence. Despite struggling with injuries throughout his career, the former star of Notre Dame has participated in at least 70 games in each of the past three seasons.
Although the Bruins’ offensive needs are more urgent, they will benefit greatly from some assistance along the blue line. Cole may be a terrific fit for Boston because of his experience, shot blocking ability, and winning history.
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