Your Call: Should the Leafs trade for Ian Cole?

With news leaking yesterday that Pittsburgh Penguins GM Jim Rutherford is trying to move defenseman Ian Cole via trade, should the Toronto Maple Leafs inquire?

Cole is a 28-year-old, defensive defenseman on an expiring contract with a reasonable $2.1 million cap hit. The good news / bad news of the situation is that while Cole is a capable defenseman who can provide his team with tough minutes, he’s likely to get a significant salary increase next summer. Cole will never put up big offensive numbers or play a flashy game, but his steady, stay at home style was a big part of the reason behind the Penguins’ most recent Stanley Cup championship.

In 20 games this season, Cole has been on the ice for just 11 goals against. It’s clear that he’s a capable defender, so what’s he worth to a team like the Leafs? He’s a left-shot defenseman, something the Leafs have plenty of, but with veteran Roman Polak struggling to stay in the lineup, could Cole be a possible replacement? He could also help lighten the load on the PK for Ron Hainsey and Nikita Zaitsev, freeing them up to play more even strength minutes.

The real sticking point for Leafs management may be the fact that they’ll need to send a contract back to the Pens in any potential deal. They’re currently up against the league maximum of 50 with 49 players currently under contract. We’re likely not looking at a one-for-one swap here, but could a pick and a signed prospect get the job done?