Cole on trade block, out of lineup again
Ian Cole has been a healthy scratch for the past three games because the Penguins are actively trying to trade him, multiple sources told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Monday.
Cole has a salary-cap hit of $2.1 million this season. Expectations are that number will more than double on his next contract, meaning Cole will become too expensive for the Penguins.
Moving him now would ensure they get something in return.
While it’s unclear whether a move is imminent, the Penguins do want to ensure Cole — who blocked 194 shots in 2016-17 — stays healthy during the time where efforts to move him have been ramped up.
Cole already missed three games earlier this season when a Roman Josi slap shot knocked out three of Cole’s teeth and required surgery to his jaw.
It does not appear the desire to trade Cole has anything to do with his play.
It’s more a function of him being an attractive option to other teams, and, according to a source, interest in already has been several teams deep.
During five-on-five play this season, Cole has been on the ice for just 11 goalsagainst, second fewest among regular Penguins defensemen. Cole has been on for 6.8 scoring chancesagainst per game, according to naturalstattrick.com, which leads the group, and 2.8 high-danger chances. That ranks second.
“Certainly [Cole] is a guy who we think can really help us as far as the type of game we’re trying to play,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said Monday morning. “He’s been an invaluable player for our team here for quite a long time. That hasn’t changed.”
In trading Cole, the Penguins are likely looking to supplement their depth scoring, the biggest part of their game that has not matched what they had the past two seasons while winning a Stanley Cup.
The Penguins acquired Riley Sheahan Oct. 21. Sheahan has points in five of his past six games (five total), but he likely profiles more as a fourth-line center than a third-line type.
If they do trade Cole, chances are it would be for someone to address their need for depth scoring.
Cole was acquired in a trade with St. Louis for defenseman Robert Bortuzzo and a seventh-round pick March 2, 2015. He enjoyed a career-best year in 2016-17, with five goals and 26 points in 81 games.
But the relationship between Cole and Sullivan, the sources said, has had its ups and downs.
This also isn’t the first time Cole has spent time as a healthy scratch. The same thing happened to him in 2015-16.
Moving Cole now would also mean the Penguins need to get back a thirdpairing defensemen; Chad Ruhwedel would move into the top-six, and their depth beyond that revolves around Zach Trotman and Frank Corrado.
Cole, obviously, wants to play.
Sitting out, even if he knows it’s only temporary, has been anything but easy for him, especially when he realizes he could be on the move to an undetermined location soon.
“Any time as a hockey player you’re not playing hockey, it’s tough,” Cole said Monday morning.
“It’s disappointing, annoying, [ticks] you off, aggravating, whatever word you want to use to describe it. Maybe it’s all of the above. It’s one of those things where you want to try and get in as soon as possible, however that works out.”
Crosby on Crosby
Sidney Crosby knows he’s not exactly a fan favorite in Philadelphia. So when the Penguins and Flyers play outdoors at Lincoln Financial Field in 2019, Crosby expects to hear some unkind words directed at him.
“It’s not the type of game you have a lot of family members come to,” Crosby said, “but I’m sure it will be a cool experience there.”
As for his play, Crosby began the game against the Flyers Monday night with points in three consecutive games (three goals, six points). He had at least a point in five of his past six contests, with a total of four goals and nine points during the run.
That followed an eightgame stretch where Crosby had no goals and two assists.
“It’s nice when they go in,” Crosby said. “As a team, as a line, I think we’ve generated some good chances here the last few games, held onto pucks and created some good zone time.
“That usually translates into goals. We have to continue to do that. The puck will continue to go in the net.”
Reaves joins rivalry
The Penguins have been tremendously happy with what Ryan Reaves has brought to their team. Sullivan reiterated as much Monday morning.
One weird thing about Reaves’ Penguins tenure, though: He hasn’t yet played the Flyers. Or the Columbus Blue Jackets, for that matter.
Suffice to say, Reaves was excited to get his first taste of the rivalry Monday night.
“I love rivalry nights,” Reaves said.
“I love the physical game. I always look forward to these ones.”
Reaves counts Flyers goaltender Brian Elliott and forward Wayne Simmonds among his good friends, taking an All-Star break trip with Simmonds a few years back.
In 2011-12, when the Penguins and Flyers met in a brutal playoff series, Reaves said he watched on TV … and loved every minute of it.
“I love games like that,” Reaves said.
“I wish I was in games like that when I watch them.”