In the first hour of NHL free agency Sunday, the Avalanche signed defenseman Ian Cole to a three-year, $12.75 million contract. Cole, 29, finished last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, after beginning the year with the Pittsburgh Penguins, with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017.
“Ian has been a part of two Cup teams, brings leadership and a veteran presence to our blue line,” Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic in a release. “He’s a strong puck-moving defenseman who is solid in his own zone and kills penalties. We are pleased to have him under contract for the next three years.