Former Avalanche defender expected to hit market

The Vancouver Canucks are entering the offseason with several unrestricted free agents. The most notable of the bunch include Elias Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov, Dakota Joshua, and Tyler Myers.

While the Canucks could end up re-signing multiple of their free agents, it appears that a former Avalanche defenseman won't be back with Vancouver next season. According to Rick Dhaliwal, Ian Cole is expected to become a free agent on July 1.

Cole, 35, inked a one-year, $3 million contract with the Canucks last offseason. Overall, he proved to be a solid addition to their group, as he provided their bottom pairing with more experience and bite. In 78 regular-season games with the club, he had two goals, 11 points, 61 penalty minutes, and 83 hits.

Cole struggled during the Canucks' series against the Edmonton Oilers, posting a minus-5 rating in seven games. However, it was later reported that he played through an injury during the series.

Now, with Cole hitting the market, he could join his fourth team since being traded by the Avalanche during the 2020-21 season. That is, of course, if he does not sign with one of his former clubs this offseason.

Cole spent three seasons with the Avalanche, where he had six goals, 41 points, 151 penalty minutes, and a plus-20 rating in 138 games.

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