Ian Cole has likely played his last game for the Penguins. He has been a healthy scratch for the last three games and it has nothing to do with his play, which has been good. The team is looking to trade him. Cole is a pending UFA and will at least double his money in the open market. That won’t work for the Penguins.
Probably just a matter of time until the Penguins move one of the league's toughest defensemen: https://t.co/tBQGrBWKHx
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) November 28, 2017
The trade has been beneficial for both the Penguins and Cole. Pittsburgh got great value when they moved Robert Bortuzzo for Ian Cole. The defender responded by giving predictable, if unspectacular minutes. The team didn’t need any more than that. He was at a great price point and the cost to acquire was negligible. Cole padded his value by being a part of two championship teams while playing a tough defensive style. The combination of those two is surely to make a good chunk of general managers around the league drool.
Cole’s perceived value is one of those situations where it more than likely exceeds his actual value. This is not unlike the Brandon Sutter situation where the Penguins would be selling high to teams that probably won’t get everything they want out of the player after they leave Pittsburgh. I’m willing to bet that whatever the Penguins get for Cole will be favorable. This certainly won’t hurt
As an addendum to the story from @JMackeyPG on Ian Cole, word is his rep -- Kevin Magnuson -- has permission to talk to other teams. Cole was terrific in last year's playoffs.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) November 28, 2017
Look for teams like the Oilers, Maple Leafs, or Canadiens looking to shore up their defense with a guy like Cole. Look for the Penguins to shore up their forward prowess.
We’ll all find out soon.
Thanks for reading!