NHL Trade: Blue Jackets acquire Ian Cole from Ottawa
By Adam Stocker
For the second time in a week, Ian Cole has been traded before the NHL Trade Deadline could pass.
Getting traded once is a big deal, but to have it happen twice in a week is something else. That’s the life of Ian Cole right now. The Ottawa Senators acquired Cole from Pittsburgh on Friday as part of the trade that saw center Derick Brassard go to the Penguins. As expected, the Senators have traded Cole to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the first deal on the day of the deadline. In exchange for Cole, Ottawa acquired a 2020 third round pick and prospect Nick Moutrey.
The 29-year-old is a rental and becomes an unrestricted free agent after the season. Cole figures to slot in on Columbus’ third defense pairing and play around 16 minutes a game. The Michigan native is a capable penalty killer and a dependable defenseman who offers very little offensively. In 47 games this season, Cole has three goals and 13 points and 52 penalty minutes. After playing 49 games for Pittsburgh in the Penguins back to back Stanley Cup runs, Cole brings much-needed playoff experience to the Blue Jackets. Columbus has never advanced out of the first round in franchise history. The acquisition of Cole could be the first of many moves for Blue Jackets’ General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen at the deadline. Defenseman Jack Johnson has requested a trade and could be dealt.
The return for Ottawa is on par with what other teams have received for bottom pairing defenseman ahead of the deadline, generally getting a third-round pick. Prospect Nick Moutrey was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the fourth round of the 2013 NHL Draft. However, the 22-year-old has only three goals and six points in 22 games in the AHL this season. Despite having prototypical size for a power forward, Moutrey might not end up being an NHL player.
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Senators’ General Manager Pierre Dorion could have a busy day with Ottawa in full fire sale mode. Ottawa is also rumored to be shopping Marian Gaborik, Mike Hoffman, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Mark Stone, Bobby Ryan and captain Erik Karlsson. The trade deadline closes at 3:00 p.m. ET on Monday, Feb. 26.