Veteran Canucks Defenseman Could Add Depth to Boston Bruins

Boston Bruins General Manager has a lot on his plate this off-season. The club needs a top-six center, a winger to potentially replace the departing Jake DeBrusk, and defensive depth on the left side. With Hampus Lindholm and Mason Lohrei, the Bruins are set with what appears to be two very good left-shot defensemen. After that, Boston has Parker Wotherspoon playing on his off-side and no real NHL depth to speak of there. Boston doesn’t need a real minutes eater, but the team could use a solid seventh defenseman.

One name that has been in the rumor mill lately is Vancouver Canucks’ defenseman Ian Cole. The 35-year-old blue-liner is an unrestricted free agent and might be someone the Bruins look to for certain leadership and insurance on the back end. Cole was the 18th overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft and has played 826 regular-season games over a 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

This season, Cole played with the Canucks on a one-year, $3 million contract and contributed two goals and nine assists in 78 regular season games. In 13 postseason games, Cole had two assists and was a minus-3 while averaging 16:49 of ice time. One quality that Cole brings to the table is his shot-blocking after totaling 166 blocks this season. Cole has also won two Stanley Cups after winning back-to-back titles with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017.

Mornings w/ Matty: Free Agent Target #3 Jonathan Marchessault

Mornings w/ Matty: Free Agent Target #4 Elias Lindholm

The Ann Arbor, Michigan native could be joining his ninth franchise in his career when he signs this off-season. The Bruins are in need of left-shot defensemen now that Matt Grzelcyk and Derek Forbort will probably be finding new homes this summer. Cole would give Boston another veteran who can take over some of the penalty-killing duties of Forbort.

Cole is more of a defensive player with 63 percent of his zone starts being in the defensive end this season. The former Notre Dame star has battled injuries in his career but has played at least 70 games in each of the last three seasons.

The Bruins have more pressing needs offensively, but some help along the blue line will serve them well. Cole brings experience, shot-blocking, and a winning pedigree that could be a good fit for Boston.

Season 4. Episode 14. West Coast Road Trip. – Bruins Benders Podcast

Join the Bruins Benders Podcast as they cover the HOTTEST topics in the Boston Bruins market, along with…- Elliotte Friedman's Trent Frederic Comments- Would You Invest In This Team?- Bruins Claim Oliver Wahlstrom- Decision Time For Marc McLaughlin?& Much More!Bruins Benders Premium Hoodies $55https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieBruins Benders Long Sleeve Tee $40https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Bruins Benders Tee $30https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1For more from us, visit: insidetherink.com/bruins-bendersInside The RinkGet Bent Premium HoodieWho knew that the softest hoodie you'll ever own comes with such a cool design. You won't regret buying this classic streetwear piece of apparel with a convenient pouch pocket and warm hood for chilly evenings. • 100% cotton face • 65% ring-spun cotton, 35% polyester • Front pouch pocket • Self-fabric patch on the backhttps://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieInside The RinkBruins Benders Long Sleeve T-ShirtEnrich your wardrobe with a versatile long sleeve tee. For a casual look, combine it with your favorite jeans, and layer it with a button-up shirt, a zip-up hoodie, or a snazzy jacket. Dress it up with formal trousers or chinos to achieve a more professional look. • 100% airlume combed ring-spun cotton • Heather colorshttps://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Inside The RinkBruins Benders T-ShirtThis t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for all. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester) • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Side-seamed construction •https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1