Breaking News: Bruins GM Announces Blockbuster Trade for 35-Year-Old Star
Veteran Canucks Defenseman Could Add Depth to Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins’ General Manager is tackling a busy off-season. The team needs a top-six center, a winger to potentially replace Jake DeBrusk, and additional defensive depth on the left side. With Hampus Lindholm and Mason Lohrei, the Bruins are well-equipped with two solid left-shot defensemen. However, beyond Parker Wotherspoon, who plays on his off-side, there is no significant NHL depth in this area. The Bruins don’t necessarily need a high-minute defenseman but could benefit from a reliable seventh defenseman.
One name circulating in trade rumors is Vancouver Canucks’ defenseman Ian Cole. The 35-year-old blue-liner, an unrestricted free agent, could provide the Bruins with leadership and insurance on the back end. Cole, the 18th overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, has played 826 regular-season games over his 14-year career.
This past season, Cole signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Canucks, contributing two goals and nine assists in 78 regular-season games. In the playoffs, he added two assists and was a minus-3 across 13 games, averaging 16:49 of ice time. Cole’s shot-blocking prowess is notable, with 166 blocks this season. He also brings championship experience, having won back-to-back Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017.
The Ann Arbor, Michigan native could potentially join his ninth NHL team this off-season. The Bruins are in need of left-shot defensemen as Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort are likely to find new homes this summer. Cole would provide the Bruins with another veteran capable of taking over some of Forbort’s penalty-killing duties.
Primarily a defensive player, Cole started 63 percent of his shifts in the defensive zone this season. Despite a history of injuries, he has played at least 70 games in each of the last three seasons.
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While the Bruins’ most urgent needs are offensive, bolstering the blue line with a player of Cole’s experience and skills could be highly beneficial. His shot-blocking ability and winning pedigree make him a promising fit for Boston.
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