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Defenseman Ian Cole is a Colorado Avalanche for three years

A salary dump in two trades last season, Cole will make double this year with the Avalanche

By HardevLad
Ottawa Senators v Columbus Blue Jackets
Ian Cole #23 of the Columbus Blue Jackets warms up prior to the start of the game against the Ottawa Senators on March 17, 2018 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The Columbus Blue Jackets were warming up in green jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game, with proceeds going to the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation.
Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images

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.

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.