Fansided

25 top NHL free agents teams will be dying to sign in 2018

By David Rouben

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 30: James van Riemsdyk #25 of the Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders battle for the puck during their game at the Barclays Center on October 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 30: James van Riemsdyk #25 of the Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders battle for the puck during their game at the Barclays Center on October 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 21: Washington Capitals right wing Devante Smith-Pelly (25) shoots past Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ian Cole (23) during the first round Stanley Cup playoff game 5 between the Washington Capitals and the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 21, 2018, at Capital One Arena, in Washington, D.C. The Capitals defeated the Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 21: Washington Capitals right wing Devante Smith-Pelly (25) shoots past Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ian Cole (23) during the first round Stanley Cup playoff game 5 between the Washington Capitals and the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 21, 2018, at Capital One Arena, in Washington, D.C. The Capitals defeated the Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

15. Ian Cole

Considering the Columbus Blue Jackets have yet to win a playoff series and always come up short against the Pittsburgh Penguins, they took an extremely logical approach by acquiring a Penguins defender in Ian Cole to get over that hump. It nearly worked, as they had the Washington Capitals on the ropes after the first two games, but they lost four straight and head into the offseason with a feeling of what could’ve been.

For his part, Cole played well in his short stint with the Blue Jackets. He paired formidably with David Savard and played big minutes while making John Tortorella forget about Jack Johnson. He also had three assists in six playoff games and was one of his team’s standout performers in the first round.

Why he’s in demand: Playoff experience is a huge buzzword during free agency. It’s a big reason why guys like Ron Hainsey and Dave Bolland have gotten paid much more than what they’re worth. Cole has two Stanley Cups with the Penguins, which will go over well in any dressing room. But aside from that, he can play well and fits in on any of the three pairings.

Teams with the best chance to sign him: Cole likely won’t re-sign with the Blue Jackets. They have internal options in Ryan Murray and Markus Nutivaara to fill his role and should commit their money towards long-term extensions for Artemi Panarin and Zach Werenski.

The Panthers should take a look at Cole, since the left side of their blue line leaves a lot to be desired. With defense likely to be a top priority for the Sabres this offseason, they could bring him in to serve as one of the team’s leaders. As far as serious contenders go, the Lightning and Capitals could also use him for depth purposes or if they let one of their big fish free agents go.

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