The Chicago Blackhawks made two moves on the opening day of NHL free agency, signing defenseman Ian Cole and forward Cole Smith to bolster their roster.
Ian Cole, 37, agreed to a one-year contract worth $4.75 million, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
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The veteran blueliner will join his seventh team in as many seasons for the 2026-27 campaign.
Cole spent last season with the Utah Mammoth, playing all 82 regular-season games.
He recorded three goals, 20 assists, 151 blocked shots, and 73 hits while averaging 18:16 of ice time per game.
Before signing with Chicago, the Vancouver Canucks had shown strong interest in bringing back Cole, who played for them during the 2023-24 season.
Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal noted that Vancouver sought veteran defensemen for leadership and depth.
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"I will not be surprised if the Canucks are very interested in UFA defenceman Ian Cole—Cole will be one of the leadership guys that the Canucks will check in on in free agency," Dhaliwal said.
Chicago also signed forward Cole Smith to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $3 million.
The 30-year-old winger finished last season with the Vegas Golden Knights after being acquired from the Nashville Predators.
Smith registered 12 points in 63 regular-season games and added three goals and three assists in 22 playoff appearances for Vegas.
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound forward is known for his strong defensive play, starting in the defensive zone three-quarters of the time.
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He is expected to contribute significantly to Chicago's penalty kill unit next season.
