HabsWorld.net --
The Habs biggest 2011 free agent signing, Erik Cole, will likely fit in on
the top two lines,
and gives the team a true power forward up front, something they’ve been lacking
for a long time. Will Cole, a known Habs killer, excel in Montreal or will
he struggle like he did the last time he left Carolina?
2010-11
Cole bounced back from a sub-par, injury filled 2009-10 season,
with a matching pair of
goals & assists [26]. He played in all 82 games last season,
playing his usual gritty style with great skating to boot.
Season Stats: 82 GP, 26 Goals, 26 Assists, 52 Points, -1, 3 PPG,
1 SHG, 9 GWG, 201 Shots, 18:27 TOI, 225 Hits, 34 Blocked Shots, 65
Takeaways
5 Year Averages
GP: 69
Goals: 21
Assists: 23
Plus/Minus: -1
PIMS: 60
PPG: 6
GWG: 4
Shots: 168
2011-12 Role
Cole will likely start the season a top line winger with Tomas
Plekanec at centre and Mike Cammalleri on the other flank. The
position might be juggled if the chemistry is not there, since the
Scott Gomez & Brian Gionta line may be a better fit. In either
line, his size, skating and energy will be an asset for his
linemates. His veteran presence should provide a mentorship for
young forwards Max Pacorietty & Andrei Kostitsyn.
Projected Stats
Cole’s injury history is well known, and obviously a concern since
he plays a high energy style. After signing with the Habs, the
Oswego, New York native admitted to the media, that as a kid he
was a Habs fan, which helps explain his higher performance while
playing against the Canadiens. I hope that effort carries forward for the
next 4 seasons. Cole is capable of scoring 25 goals and 25 assists in the Habs system.
GP: 78
Goals: 25
Assists: 25
Plus/Minus: +5
PIMS: 64
PPG: 10
GWG: 8
Shots: 210
