A deep dive into the 2023-24 season of Vancouver Canucks defenceman Ian Cole.

Welcome to the 2023-24 Vancouver Canucks player review series. Over the summer, we will be taking a look at Canucks players performances from the 2023-24 season. Today's player is Ian Cole, who had two goals and 11 points in 78 games. 

In his only season with Vancouver, Cole provided solid third-pair minutes while also being a leader on the penalty kill. Cole was also the teams best shot blocker, leading the Canucks in both the regular season and playoffs. Ultimately, he was a great signing by GM Patrik Allvin, even though his time with the organization was limited to only one year. 

When diving into the analytics, Cole was one of the best defensemen on the team at preventing shots and scoring chances at five-on-five. Of the six defenders to play at least 50 games, he ranked second in shots against per 60 (26.6), third in high-danger chances per 60 (9.52) and first in expected goals against per 60 (2.19). He also averaged the fourth most five-on-five minutes among Vancouver's defenders, with his 15:26 of ice time being one of the highest of his career. 

One of the more surprising stats about Cole is his zone time. According to NHL EDGE, Cole spent 42.1% of his time in the offensive zone, which ranked in the 75th percentile. This means that despite not putting up a ton of points, he was able to help keep the puck out of the defensive zone and in the offensive end more often than not.

Lastly, Cole was effective in limited minutes during the playoffs. Averaging 13:42 at five on five, he had a shots against per 60 of 23.23 and expected goals against per 60 of 1.75. As mentioned, he also led the team in shorthanded minutes and was on the ice for just five goals against in 36:28. While he will be remembered for pucks bouncing off him and into his net multiple times, he was an important part of the Canucks postseason run both on and off the ice. 

After a strong 2023-24 season, Cole signed a one-year contract with the Utah Hockey Club. His first game against his former team will be on December 18, while his return to Vancouver is scheduled for March 16. In the end, his time with the Canucks was short, but during his one season, he proved to be a valuable part of Vancouver's blue line and their leadership group. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

Four Free Agents Who Could Help Fill Out The Abbotsford Canucks' 2024-25 Roster

2023-24 Vancouver Canucks Player Review: Brock Boeser

Canucks 2024-25 Schedule Features One Glaring Issue In November

Five Former Canucks Have Names Engraved On The Stanley Cup

2023-24 Vancouver Canucks Player Review: Teddy Blueger

Vancouver Canucks Announce 2024 Training Camp Location And Dates

2023-24 Vancouver Canucks Player Review: Nils Åman

Former Canucks Forward Named To Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame

Abbotsford Canucks Reveal 2024-25 Regular Season Schedule