The Pittsburgh Penguins have dealt defenseman Robert Bortuzzo and a 2016 seventh round pick to the St. Louis Blues for defenseman Ian Cole (6-1, 220).
Cole, 26, has played in 54 games with the Blues this season, notching nine points (4G-5A) and posting a plus-16. His plus-16 ranked third on St. Louis and second among team blueliners. Last season Cole established career highs with eight assists and 11 points with a plus-15 in 46 games during his first full NHL season with the Blues.
He is regarded as a steady No.6/No. 7 pairing defenseman that drives possession, while the Blues get a more physical presence in Bortuzzo who adds some nastiness to their lineup.
Cole has 42 hits and 63 blocked shots in 54 games for the Blues.
Western Conference Scout on Cole: “Steady, reads the play well. Needs to play with structure and when he doesn’t, gets down on himself. Better combination of puck-skills [than Bortuzzo].”

Not a game changer by any means but Penguins like that he’s cheap and a restricted free agent at seasons end.
The Penguins are also close to completing another trade the team feels.

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