The Boston Bruins General Manager has a lot on his plate this offseason. The team requires a top-six center, a winger to replace the departing Jake DeBrusk, and defensive depth on the left side. With Hampus Lindholm and Mason Lohrei, the Bruins appear to have two extremely talented left-shot defensemen. After that, Boston has Parker Wotherspoon playing on his off side and no genuine NHL depth. Boston does not require a true minutes eater, but it could use a reliable seventh defenseman.
Ian Cole, a defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks, has recently been the subject of rumors. The 35-year-old blueliner is an unrestricted free agent and might be someone the Bruins look to for leadership and backup on the back end. Cole was the 18th overall choice in the 2007 NHL Draft and has played 826 regular-season games throughout his 14-year career.
Possible #NHLBruins UFA target Ian Cole. Left shot defenseman. Vancouver Canucks. 35 years old
6-foot-1, 225 pounds
2023-24: 2-9-11 in 78 games +10
Proposed by Pierre McGuire on his pod
Two Stanley Cups#GetBent pic.twitter.com/xX3koX6Ybb
— Bruins Benders Podcast (@BruinsBenders) June 6, 2024
Cole joined the Canucks this season on a one-year, $3 million contract and provided two goals and nine assists in 78 regular-season games. Cole recorded two assists and a minus-3 rating in 13 postseason games, averaging 16:49 of ice time. Cole’s shot-blocking ability is one of his strengths, as evidenced by his 166 blocks this season. Cole has also won two Stanley Cups, having won consecutive wins with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017.
When he signs this offseason, the Ann Arbor, Michigan native might become a member of his eighth franchise. The Bruins are looking for left-handed defensemen now that Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort will most likely be moving on this summer. Cole would provide Boston with another veteran capable of taking over part of Forbort’s penalty-killing duties.
Cole is more of a defensive player, with 63 percent of his zone starts this season coming on defense. The former Notre Dame standout has battled injuries throughout his career, but he has played at least 70 games in each of the last three seasons.
The Bruins have more immediate offensive needs, but any help on the blue line will be beneficial. Cole adds experience, shot-blocking ability, and a winning record that may be a terrific fit for Boston.
