Initially, the Penguins didn’t have any desire to trade Ian Cole, despite all the healthy scratch drama that plagued him back in November. He was arguably one of the best they had at protecting the blueline while always bringing his physical game, and as of late, had been littering the stats sheets as well. In his final 11 games, Cole produced a goal and six points, equaling a plus-12.
“(Cole) has helped us win two Stanley Cups. It’s been an up and down year this year for him. He’s been in and out of the lineup.