Report: Major update on Cole trade discussions

The Pittsburgh Penguins have let it be known that defenseman Ian Cole is available on the trade market. That much is no secret to anyone anymore.

But there has been a rather significant shift in his availability in the wake of Justin Schultz' injury.

With Mike Sullivan trying to manage Kris Letang's minutes better after a rough start to the season, trading one of the team's most reliable defensemen is now on hold, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette learned on Thursday.

"Talk of an Ian Cole trade has cooled considerably, a source confirmed to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Thursday night," Mackey writes. "With Schultz hurt, there’s no way the Penguins can afford to move Cole in an effort to improve their third line."

When Schultz comes back, barring a reconciliation between Cole and Sullivan, it isn't out of the question for trade talks to pick up - especially as most Pittsburgh Penguins analysts agree that Jim Rutherford is actively looking for an upgrade on the 3C role - one that Riley Sheahan hasn't filled well enough. 

Sheahan has earned praises from his coach, but it's clear he'd be more effective on the 4th line.

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Mark Recchi practiced on the fourth line with Tom Kuhnhackl out with an upper-body injury. There was no one to replace him.

The expectation is that someone will be recalled today - whether it be Greg McKegg, Daniel Sprong, or someone else remains to be seen.