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The Colorado Avalanche have agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent Ian Cole to a three-year deal, with an average annual value (AAV) of $4.25 million.
rumblings that Ian Cole will go to COL, hearing 3x4.25
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2018
Originally broken by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the 29-year-old Cole is now the third-highest paid defenseman on the Avalanche, who have $ 17,273,572 in cap space with a full roster size of 23, according to Cap Friendly.
Cole had a difficult year with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season. After losing his spot in the top-six, he was traded to Ottawa, and then to Columbus as essentially a salary dump in both moves. He was making $2.1 million in that season.
Cole is not an offensive defenseman in any right as his counting stats are less than impressive. 26 and 20 points in the last two seasons, Cole is also a middling defenseman when it comes to his advanced numbers as well.
As a left-handed defenseman, he should slot in the top-four with one of Erik Johnson and Tyson Barrie. However, at his age, he might start declining very soon.
We will have more on this signing soon.