{"id":492956,"date":"2026-07-01T13:57:02","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T17:57:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=492956"},"modified":"2026-07-01T13:57:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T17:57:02","slug":"ian-cole-signs-fa-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/07\/01\/ian-cole-signs-fa-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Ian Cole Signs With Chicago Blackhawks on One-Year Deal"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> are obtaining a veteran defender, as Ian Cole<\/a> signs with the team on a one-year contract worth $4 million plus $750,000 in possible bonuses. Let us discuss this free agent signing and the impact it has on the team.<\/p>\n

Ian Cole<\/a> Signs in Chicago, Adds Veteran Leadership to Blue Line<\/h2>\n

Cole is a stay-at-home defenseman who is effective at preventing scoring chances at 5-on-5 and on the penalty kill. He plays a physical game and could be an excellent role model for young defenders who play a physical game. He scored three goals and 20 assists for 23 points in 82 games with the Utah Mammoth<\/a> last season. Cole has played in 990 NHL games across nine teams, scoring 38 goals, 195 assists, for 233 points. At a cost-effective rate, Cole can be the stabilizing force on the blue line that any team could use. He is also a two-time Stanley Cup champion, winning with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2017 and 2018.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cole could be a regular on the third defensive pairing, but can play an elevated role if forced into action. His ice time averaged at 18:16 last season, with a large amount of time killing penalties.<\/p>\n

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(Credit Image: \u00a9 Richard Ulreich\/Cal Sport Media)<\/em><\/p>\n

Cole Debated Hawks and Canucks as His Possible Destinations<\/h3>\n

As reported by Rick Dhaliwal, Cole was debating between the offer from Chicago and another from the Vancouver Canucks. Cole was a top candidate in our defence targets list for the Canucks<\/a>, and it made sense for the Canucks to get a veteran defender to mentor young players like Zeev Buium<\/a> and Elias Pettersson<\/a>. They will have to look elsewhere for a veteran defender.<\/p>\n

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Canucks offer to Ian Cole was very strong, he chose Chicago over Vancouver.<\/p>\n

Was not easy decision for him.<\/p>\n

— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) July 1, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n