Apr 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ian Cole (28) checks New York Rangers left wing
Tanner Glass(15) during the first period in game three of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Ian Cole
Cole doesn’t necessarily fall into the “young” category, as he’s now 26-years old and entering his eighth NHL season. However, he’s quit unproven considering his minimal role while playing in St. Louis.
While he burst onto the scene in his own right last season, he was still somewhat sheltered and played a third pairing role with Rob Scuderi for much of the regular season. While he was launched into top-four minutes during the post-season, it was still alongside less-than-desirable partners so we may not have seen what he can really provide just yet.
Ian Cole has a chance to prove that he’s the next Matt Niskanen in Pittsburgh. It’s assumed that he’ll be paired with Derrick Pouliot on the second defensive pair next season, so I’m anxious to see what he can do when playing a larger role for an entire season.
Next: Derrick Pouliot