Ian Cole

For the Australian politician, see Ian Cole (politician). For the English karateka, see Ian Cole (karateka).

Ian Cole
Cole with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs
Born	(1989-02-21) February 21, 1989 (age 35) Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.
Height	6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight	237 lb (108 kg; 16 st 13 lb)
Position	Defense
Shoots	Left
NHL team Former teams	Utah Hockey Club St. Louis Blues Pittsburgh Penguins Columbus Blue Jackets Colorado Avalanche Minnesota Wild Carolina Hurricanes Tampa Bay Lightning Vancouver Canucks
NHL draft	18th overall, 2007 St. Louis Blues
Playing career	2010–present

Ian Douglas Cole (born February 21, 1989) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Utah Hockey Club of the National Hockey League (NHL). Cole won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017.

Playing career

College

Cole joined the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2007 after playing for the U.S. National Team Development Program from 2005 to 2007. ^[1] Cole played at Notre Dame from the 2007–08 season through the 2009–10 season, Cole finished his collegiate career with 69 points in 111 games at Notre Dame. During Cole's stint at Notre Dame the program qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2007, 2008, and 2009, including the school's first Frozen Four appearance in 2008. ^[2]

Professional

Cole during his tenure with the Blues.

St. Louis Blues

Cole was drafted 18th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. At the conclusion of the 2009–10 season, Cole turned pro and signed with the St. Louis Blues and was assigned to the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League, the Blues' top minor league affiliate. ^{[3] [4]} Cole made his NHL debut on November 6, 2010 after being recalled from Peoria on November 4. ^[5] He scored his first NHL goal on March 9, 2011 against Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender, Mathieu Garon. ^[6]

Pittsburgh Penguins

On March 2, 2015, the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Ian Cole from the Blues in exchange for Robert Bortuzzo and a 2016 7th-round draft pick. ^[7]

On June 29, 2015, Cole signed a three-year contract worth $6.3 million to remain in Pittsburgh. ^[8] In the 2015–16 season, Cole registered 12 assists in 70 games. In the post-season on June 6, 2016, Cole scored his first career playoff goal against Martin Jones of the San Jose Sharks in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

In the 2016–17 season, Cole reached a career high of 26 points with the Penguins, including five goals and 21 assists in 81 regular season games. He appeared in a post-season high 25 games, registering 9 assists in helping Pittsburgh defend the Stanley Cup.

Entering the final season of his contract with the Penguins in 2017–18, on October 7, 2017, Cole blocked a shot from Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi and missed the next three games to recover. ^[9] Cole appeared in 47 games with the Penguins, posting 13 points, before on February 23, 2018, Cole was traded to the Ottawa Senators along with a 2018 first-round pick, a 2019 third-round draft pick, and Filip Gustavsson in exchange for a 2018 third-round draft pick, prospect Vincent Dunn, and Derick Brassard. ^[10]

Columbus Blue Jackets

On February 26, 2018, before appearing with the Senators, Cole was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Nick Moutrey and a 2020 third-round pick. ^[11] Cole's addition to Columbus' blueline, led to a charge up the standings and secured a playoff berth. In 20 regular season games, he contributed with 2 goals and 7 points before registering 3 assists in 6 post-season games in a first-round defeat to eventual champions, the Washington Capitals. ^[12]

Colorado Avalanche

As a free agent in the off-season, Cole signed a three-year, $12.75 million contract with the Colorado Avalanche on July 1, 2018. ^[13]

On February 8, during a 2018–19 regular season game against the Washington Capitals, Cole laid a late hit on Evgeny Kuznetsov resulting in a fight with Tom Wilson. ^[14] It was determined that Tom Wilson had fractured Cole's orbital bone and he was subsequently placed on Colorado's injured reserve. ^[15]

Entering his final year under contract with the Avalanche in the pandemic delayed 2020–21 season, Cole played in a third pairing role in the opening two games.^{[ citation needed ]}

Minnesota Wild

On January 19, 2021, Cole was traded by the Avalanche to divisional rival club, the Minnesota Wild, in exchange for Greg Pateryn. ^[16] Cole made an instant impact, solidifying the Wild's third pairing and helping the team push up the standings in recording 1 goal and 8 points through 52 regular season games. In a first-round series defeat to the Vegas Golden Knights, Cole featured in all seven games.

Carolina Hurricanes

As a free agent, despite showing interest to return to the Wild, Cole was unable to come to terms and was signed to a one-year, $2.9 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on July 28, 2021. ^[17] He scored the overtime game-winning goal against the New York Rangers in Game 1 of their 2nd round series in the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Having concluded his contract with the Hurricanes, Cole was again on the move in agreeing to a one-year, $3 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 13, 2022. ^[18]

The Lightning announced the team had suspended Cole, with pay, on October 10, 2022, pending an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse. ^[19] "I take the allegations made against me today in an anonymous tweet very seriously," Cole said in a statement made through his agent. "I look forward to clearing my name and demonstrating to the NHL and the Tampa Bay Lightning that these allegations are unfounded." ^[20] Ultimately, both the team and league investigations into Cole found no evidence that the allegations were truthful. ^[21]

Vancouver Canucks

After a lone season with the Lightning, Cole left as a free agent and was signed to a one-year, $3 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks for the 2023–24 season on July 1, 2023. ^[22]

Utah Hockey Club

After spending just one year with the Canucks, Cole once again became an unrestricted free agent, signing a one-year, $3.1 million contract with the Utah Hockey Club on July 1, 2024. ^[23]

On October 8, 2024, Cole took the first minor penalty in Utah Hockey Club history.

International play

Medal record
Men's ice hockey
Representing the   United States
World Junior Championships
	2007 Sweden

Cole's first international experience came at the 2007 World Junior Championships. ^[24] Cole added four goals and an assist in seven games of the tournament, helping United States national junior team to a bronze medal finish. The 2007 tournament marked the most points Cole would score at the event, in 2008 he was held pointless and in his final appearance in the tournament in 2009 he finished with two goals and two assists. ^{[25] [26]}

Personal life

Cole was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan with his younger sister, mother Connie, and father Doug. He learned to skate at Yost Ice Arena. He also skated outdoors at Buhr Park and did power skating at Veterans Memorial Ice Arena. Growing up, he played for the Ann Arbor Amateur Hockey Association at the Ice Cube. ^[27]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

				Regular season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2005–06	U.S. NTDP U17	USDP		18	2	1	3	14		—	—	—	—	—
2005–06	U.S. NTDP U18	USDP		1	0	0	0	0		—	—	—	—	—
2005–06	U.S. NTDP U18	NAHL		40	2	8	10	75		12	0	3	3	14
2006–07	U.S. NTDP U18	USDP		42	6	11	17	37		—	—	—	—	—
2006–07	U.S. NTDP U18	NAHL		16	2	7	9	28		—	—	—	—	—
2007–08	University of Notre Dame	CCHA		43	8	12	20	40		—	—	—	—	—
2008–09	University of Notre Dame	CCHA		38	6	20	26	58		—	—	—	—	—
2009–10	University of Notre Dame	CCHA		30	3	19	22	55		—	—	—	—	—
2009–10	Peoria Rivermen	AHL		9	1	4	5	4		—	—	—	—	—
2010–11	Peoria Rivermen	AHL		44	5	10	15	63		—	—	—	—	—
2010–11	St. Louis Blues	NHL		26	1	3	4	35		—	—	—	—	—
2011–12	Peoria Rivermen	AHL		22	1	3	4	26		—	—	—	—	—
2011–12	St. Louis Blues	NHL		26	1	5	6	22		2	0	0	0	0
2012–13	Peoria Rivermen	AHL		34	3	11	14	43		—	—	—	—	—
2012–13	St. Louis Blues	NHL		15	0	1	1	10		—	—	—	—	—
2013–14	St. Louis Blues	NHL		46	3	8	11	31		—	—	—	—	—
2014–15	St. Louis Blues	NHL		54	4	5	9	44		—	—	—	—	—
2014–15	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		20	1	7	8	7		5	0	2	2	8
2015–16	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		70	0	12	12	59		24	1	2	3	14
2016–17	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		81	5	21	26	72		25	0	9	9	22
2017–18	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL		47	3	10	13	52		—	—	—	—	—
2017–18	Columbus Blue Jackets	NHL		20	2	5	7	24		6	0	3	3	2
2018–19	Colorado Avalanche	NHL		71	2	13	15	115		12	0	5	5	16
2019–20	Colorado Avalanche	NHL		65	4	22	26	36		15	0	2	2	10
2020–21	Colorado Avalanche	NHL		2	0	0	0	0		—	—	—	—	—
2020–21	Minnesota Wild	NHL		52	1	7	8	32		7	0	0	0	6
2021–22	Carolina Hurricanes	NHL		75	2	17	19	83		14	1	1	2	10
2022–23	Tampa Bay Lightning	NHL		78	3	14	17	61		6	1	2	3	4
2023–24	Vancouver Canucks	NHL		78	2	9	11	61		13	0	2	2	6
NHL totals				826	34	159	193	744		129	3	28	31	98

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2006	United States	U17			6	0	1	1	4
2007	United States	U18			7	4	1	5	6
2008	United States	WJC	4th		6	0	0	0	6
2009	United States	WJC	5th		6	2	2	4	4
Junior totals					25	6	4	10	20

Awards and honors

Award	Year
College
All-CCHA First Team	2008–09	[28]
AHCA West First-Team All-American	2008–09	[29]
CCHA All-Tournament Team	2009	[30]
NHL
Stanley Cup champion	2016, 2017	[31] [32]

References

1. "Player Bio: Ian Cole". University of Notre Dame. May 16, 2010. Archived from the original on July 7, 2018. Retrieved May 16, 2010.
2. "Box :: USCHO.com". U.S. College Hockey Online. April 1, 2009. Retrieved May 16, 2010.
3. "Blues sign Ian Cole" (PDF). VictoryHondaHockey.com. March 3, 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 13, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2010.
4. "Blues rookie aims for recognition". STLtoday.com. March 1, 2010. Retrieved March 1, 2010.
5. "Jackman on IR; Cole Recalled from Peoria". St. Louis Blues. November 6, 2010. Retrieved November 6, 2010.
6. "NHL game summary – St. Louis Blues at Columbus Blue Jackets". Canoe.ca. March 9, 2011. Archived from the original on July 29, 2012. Retrieved March 9, 2011.
7. "Pens and Blues combine for another trade". NBC Sports. March 2, 2015. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
8. "Penguins Re-Sign Defenseman Ian Cole to a Three-Year Contract". Pittsburgh Penguins. June 29, 2015. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
9. Mackey, Jason (November 16, 2017). "Ian Cole says no hesitation since scary block to the face". Pittsburgh Post Gazette . Pittsburgh. Retrieved November 21, 2017.
10. "Penguins Acquire Derick Brassard in Three-Team Trade with OTT and VGK". NHL.com. Pittsburgh Penguins. February 23, 2018. Retrieved February 23, 2018.
11. "Jackets acquire defenseman Ian Cole from Ottawa". NHL.com. February 26, 2018. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
12. "Been there, won that". The Athletic. April 21, 2018. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
13. "Avalanche signs Ian Cole". Colorado Avalanche. July 1, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
14. Vogel, Mike (February 8, 2019). "Kuznetsov Rises to Down Avs in OT, 4-3". NHL.com. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
15. "Avalanche's Ian Cole: Winds up on IR". cbssports.com. February 9, 2019. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
16. "Wild acquire D Cole from Avalanche". The Sports Network. January 19, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
17. "Canes agree to terms with Cole". Carolina Hurricanes. July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
18. "Lightning sign Ian Cole to one-year contract". Tampa Bay Lightning. July 13, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
19. "Tampa Bay Lightning suspend Ian Cole pending investigation into sexual abuse allegations". CNN. October 10, 2022. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
20. "Lightning suspend Ian Cole as NHL opens investigation into sexual assault allegations". SportsNet. October 10, 2022. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
21. "NHL finds no evidence for sexual abuse allegations against Lightning's Ian Cole, closes investigation". CBS Sports . October 15, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
22. "Canucks sign Soucy to three-year, $9.75M contract; ink Cole, Blueger to one-year deals". The Sports Network. July 1, 2023. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
23. "Utah Hockey Club Signs Defenseman Ian Cole to One-Year Contract". nhl.com. National Hockey League. July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
24. "USA Hockey announces World Junior team". North American Hockey League. January 1, 2007. Retrieved May 16, 2010.
25. "Hockey veteran leads USA in World Junior Championship". USAToday . December 25, 2008. Retrieved May 16, 2010.
26. "2009 World Junior Championship". USA Hockey. February 15, 2009. Archived from the original on December 22, 2009. Retrieved May 16, 2010.
27. Cotsonika, Nicholas J (August 12, 2016). "Ian Cole brings Cup home to Ann Arbor". NHL.com. Retrieved November 21, 2017.
28. "All-CCHA Teams". College Hockey Historical Archives. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
29. "Ian Cole Named ACHA/Reebok First Team All-American". University of Notre Dame. May 16, 2010. Retrieved May 16, 2010.
30. "2012–13 CCHA Media Guide". ISSUU.com. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
31. "Penguins win Stanley Cup, defeat Sharks in Game 6". National Hockey League. June 12, 2016. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
32. "Penguins repeat as Stanley Cup champions". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. June 11, 2017. Retrieved June 11, 2017.

External links

• Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com , or  Eliteprospects.com , or  ESPN.com , or  Eurohockey.com , or  Hockey-Reference.com , or  The Internet Hockey Database

Awards and achievements
Preceded by Lars Eller	St. Louis Blues first round draft pick 2007	Succeeded by David Perron