The Canucks have made their intentions known for Ian Cole's re-signing
Last summer, the Vancouver Canucks went out into the free agent market searching for help on defense and ended up signing a pair of key blueliners including Ian Cole to a -one-year deal
The Canucks viewed Ian Cole's experience as very valuable to this roster and he knows what it takes to win, hoisting the Stanley Cup in back-to-back years, 2016 & 2017, with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Part of playing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs is sacrificing your body and playing through injuries and that's exactly what Ian Cole did this year to try and help the Canucks win their first championship in franchise history. Ultimately, the Canucks fell to the Edmonton Oilers in seven games in the second round.
According to Thomas Drance and Rick Dhaliwal, Ian Cole sustained a cut to his ankle following a collision with Evander Kane in Game 2 of their second round series. They added that Cole needed stitches and he had to take a lot longer to prepare for each game in the remainder of the season.
Drance and Dhaliwal also mentioned that they're not convinced that bringing Ian Cole back next season is a big priority as Patrik Allvin has bigger free agents to worry about that are in need of new contracts.
This season for the Canucks, Cole appeared in 78 games where he had 11 points (two goals, nine assists), 61 penalty minutes and was a plus-ten. He went on to add two assists in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
It's understandable why the Canucks are unlikely to bring back Ian Cole for the 2024-25 season. They need to focus on contracts for Nikita Zadorov and Filip Hronek, among others. If they get to free agency on July 1st and are still looking for a veteran defenceman, they could always circle back to Ian Cole, if he's interested or turn their attention elsewhere for a cheap third pairing option.
Do you think the Canucks should re-sign Ian Cole? Let us know what you think in the poll below!
| POLL | ||
MAI 23 | 2227 ANSWERS The Canucks have made their intentions known for Ian Cole's re-signing Should the Canucks re-sign Ian Cole? | ||
| Yes | 658 | 29.5 % |
| No | 1569 | 70.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
