Cole has good size (6-foot-1, 219 lbs.) who is a mainly a shutdown defenseman. Despite not having high-end ability or seeing power-play time, Cole has had 20-plus points in back-to-back seasons. Cole’s signing in Colorado suggests that Conor Timmins may not be in the NHL in 2019.
Connauton is coming off of his best season in the NHL, scoring 11 goals with 10 assists (21 points) in 73 games with the Coyotes. Connauton averaged just 15:11 TOI/GM, so expect him to serve as a third pairing defenseman again in 2019.
Hayton projects to be a middle-6 pivot thanks to his solid two-way game. Hayton had 21 goals and 39 assists (60 points) in 63 games with Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) this season and has a game that looks similar to Ducks’ centre Adam Henrique.
Weber has been out since mid-December and his season officially ended on Tuesday as he underwent surgery to repair tendons in his left foot. Weber’s six-month timetable should allow him to join the Canadiens for training camp next season, as long as his rehab goes well.
Bortuzzo has missed the last five games with a knee injury, but he is expected to play in Dallas this afternoon. Bortuzzo has just one goal and seven assists (eight points) in 55 games this season. He will likely replace Jordan Schmaltz in the lineup.
Cole was acquired in the Derick Brassard trade but was always expected to be flipped before the trade deadline. The 29-year-old can help on the offensive end and should slot in as a third-pairing defenseman with Columbus. He had 13 points (3G / 10A) in 47 games with the Penguins before his first trade.
Weber recently began skating on his own, but is yet to return to practice. He has been out since December 16th and remains without a timetable for his return.
Weber has been out for nearly two months with a foot injury but returned to the ice on Wednesday morning. This is obviously the next step in Weber’s recovery but he remains without a timetable for his return to the lineup.
Bortuzzo was a healthy scratch in Buffalo on Saturday but will replace Tage Thompson in the lineup tonight vs. the Wild. Bortuzzo, who has just seven points (1G / 6A) in 50 games, will dress as a seventh defenseman so he might not see a lot of playing time.
Sergachev was a healthy scratch for the last two games but based on the morning skate he should re-enter the lineup on Tuesday and play with Anton Stralman. He might be back on the second power-play unit as well as it looks like Victor Hedman will also be back in the lineup and take his spot back on the top unit.
Crouse was in the lineup for the last four games, but after claiming Freddie Hamilton off of waivers, the Coyotes send Crouse to Tucson so he can play. The 20-year-old forward has 10 points (3G / 7A) in 17 games with the Roadrunners.
Weber was sent home from their previous road-trip, missing the last three games and will miss at least three more with a foot injury. With both Weber and David Schlemko (illness) out, the Canadiens have recalled Brett Lernout from Laval (AHL) to go on the trip.
