Erik Cole
Erik Cole was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 3rd round as the 71st overall selection in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. His rookie year in Carolina, the 2001-2002 season, saw him score a modest 40 points in 81 games (16 goals and 24 assists).
Cole has played on the Hurricanes for his entire career, taking the lockout year to play in the German Ice Hockey League before coming back to the Canes. Like many players, Cole's return to his NHL club after the lockout was sensational in comparison to the rest of his career. He scored 30 goals and added 29 assists for 59 points in just 60 games, a career best until 2006-2007.
Cole would pass his 2005-2006 mark by two points in the 2006-2007 season, ending with 61 regular season points in 71 games.
Cole is a player that has the ability to be the inspirational leader to his team. After coming back from injury in the 2005-2006 season to help his team win the Cup, Cole proved that he has the guts to compete at a high level. He's not afraid to much it up and is a decent power forward with a fairly positive upside if he can control the injury bug. Cole could be a consistent 70-point scorer.
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