Colby Cohen

History

2006-07: In Colby Cohen's first year with the Lincoln Stars (USHL), the defenseman netted 13 goals and 60 points (led USHL D-men) in 53 games, record high numbers for Cohen; his 110 penalty minutes were another personal best. He was named to the USHL All-Star Game and the All-Star Second Team for his efforts.  Cohen was chosen in the second round, 45th overall, of the 2007 NHL Draft by the Colorado Avalanche.

2007-08: In 39 games during his freshmen season at Boston University (Hockey East), Cohen racked up 16 total points, ranking third among team defensemen in scoring. He spent most of the season paired with fellow Avalanche draft choice Kevin Shattenkirk. On Nov. 16, Cohen scored his first collegiate goal and added an assist against Vermont.

2008-09: The Boston University (H-East) D-man racked up 32 points (8g+24a) in 43 games this season and helped the squad win the division and the NCAA title. He netted the game-winner in overtime of the Frozen Four final against Miami University (Ohio) and was named the tournaments Most Outstanding Player.

2009-2010: Cohen’s last season with Boston University before signing a contract with the Avalanche saw him post 30 points in 36 games, 14 of them goals. He was also named to the NCAA East’s First All-American Team.

2010-11: Cohen made his NHL debut with the Colorado Avalanche, appearing in three November games before missing time with the flu. He was returned to AHL Lake Erie following his illness and spent the rest of the season in the AHL with both Lake Erie and, following a late November trade when the Bruins acquired him for veteran defenseman Matt Hunwick, the Providence Bruins. Cohen spent the spring with Boston during their Stanley Cup run but did not appear in any games. Cohen was -1 with zero points and 4 PMs while averaging just under 18 minutes of ice time per game in his three-game stint with the Avalanche. He scored 1 goal in 14 contests with Lake Erie and in 46 games for Providence had 1 goal with 11 assists and was +5 with 46 PMs.

2011-12: Cohen had a sub-par year in his second pro season despite playing alongside former college teammate David Warsofsky for Bruins' AHL affiliate Providence. While some nagging injuries played a part, limiting him to 58 games, his play in his own end was suspect at times and he failed to match the offensive numbers of his college days. Cohen scored 4 goals with 11 assists and was minus-four with 39 penalty minutes. Three of his 4 goals were scored on the power play. Providence missed the AHL playoffs; finishing fourth in the Atlantic Division.

2012-13: Cohen skated in 43 games for Bruins AHL affiliate Providence in his third pro season. Playing in a lower pairing role, he had 14 assists and was -3 with 48 penalty minutes. Providence finished first in the Atlantic Division and reached the second round in the playoffs. Colby did not see any action in the playoffs. He played two ECHL games with South Carolina and was -2 with 3 assists. Cohen was not tendered a contract by the Bruins, becoming an unrestricted free agent, and signed a contract to play for Assat Pori in Finland in 2013-14.

 

Talent Analysis

Cohen is an offensive-minded defenseman who moves the puck well on breakouts and shows good vision in the offensive zone. His best weapon is a heavy, accurate one-timer he unloads from his off-side. His skating is about average, not exceptionally fast or mobile, but his skating is not a liability either. He has good size at 6’2”, 215lbs, and will use his size to win battles and to fight but he’s not a big hitter. Defensively he has struggled with his positioning and reads. His intensity and work ethic have also been inconsistent.

 

Future

Cohen is currently without an NHL contract and is playing in Finland during the 2013-14 season.