The Chicago Blackhawks have brought in multiple new players this off-season. Among the Original Six club’s newcomers is Ian Cole, as they signed the left-shot defenseman to a one-year, $4 million contract in free agency.
While Cole may not be the flashiest of players, it is clear that he is going to have a very important role with the Blackhawks during this season.
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It is no secret that the Blackhawks have a young blueline. Due to this, Cole is going to be expected to be a mentor for the Blackhawks’ young defensemen as they continue to adjust to the NHL level.
Every young team needs veterans players like Cole as leaders, and the Blackhawks will be expecting him to be a valuable mentor in their room. He is certainly not a bad player to have around in this role, as he is entering his 17th NHL season and has played in 990 career games. It also does not hurt that he has won the Stanley Cup twice.
It will now be interesting to see how much of an impact Cole can make for the Blackhawks’ young defensemen this season. In 82 games last season with the Utah Mammoth, the 37-year-old posted three goals, 20 assists, 23 points, 73 hits, and a plus-16 rating.
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