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Penguins acquire Ian Cole for Robert Bortuzzo

The Pittsburgh Penguins shuffle the deck dealing one defenseman (Robert Bortuzzo) for another (Ian Cole).

Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded defenseman Roberto Bortuzzo and a seventh round pick to St. Louis for defenseman Ian Cole. Cole’s player profile from The Hockey News:

Assets:

Can play a quality shutdown role. Has good size and strength, the ability to play a physical brand of hockey from the back end and some puck-moving skills.

Flaws:

Doesn't have the high-end ability to be much of a factor on power plays. Needs to become more consistent in order to maximize his overall potential.

Career Potential:

Talented shutdown defenseman with upside.

Cole is in the final year of a $825,000 cap hit. At 26 years old he will be a restricted free agent this summer. Bortuzzo’s salary was $600,000, so unless there has been salary retained, that should about zap what little salary cap space that the Penguins had last. According to the fantasy stats, it’s a thumbs up more for the Penguins:

According to Darren Dreger though, the Pens may not yet be done: