Ian Cole, an American professional ice hockey defenseman, began his NHL career with the St. Louis Blues. Drafted 18th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Cole made his debut with the Blues during the 2010-2011 season. Over the next few years, he developed his skills and gained experience, becoming a reliable presence on the blue line.
In March 2015, Cole was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he found a new level of success. During his time with the Penguins, he played a crucial role in the team's defensive unit. His tenure with Pittsburgh was marked by back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017. Cole's defensive capabilities and shot-blocking prowess were instrumental in the Penguins' playoff runs, earning him recognition as a dependable defenseman.
Following his successful stint with the Penguins, Cole was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in February 2018. His time in Columbus was brief, as he signed with the Colorado Avalanche as a free agent in July 2018. With the Avalanche, Cole continued to be a steady presence on defense, contributing to the team's strong performances in the regular season and playoffs.
In January 2021, Cole was traded to the Minnesota Wild. His experience and defensive acumen were valuable assets to the Wild's roster. After a season with Minnesota, he signed with the Carolina Hurricanes in July 2021. Cole's veteran presence and defensive reliability were beneficial to the Hurricanes as they aimed for playoff success.
Throughout his career, Ian Cole was known for his defensive skills, physical play, and ability to block shots.
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