Colorado trades forward Ross Colton

This just in, the Colorado Avalanche have traded forward Ross Colton to the Nashville Predators.

It's worth noting that Predators GM Chris McFarland was previously with the Avalanche, so it's not entirely surprising that he'd be interested in acquiring Colton.

Colton is entering the final year of a four year contract that pays him $4 million annually.

Ross Colton's path to becoming a full-time NHL player is a testament to perseverance, development, and making the most of opportunities when they arise. Selected in the fourth round, 118th overall, by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2016 NHL Draft, Colton was never viewed as a can't-miss prospect. Instead, he worked his way through the ranks, spending two seasons at the University of Vermont before beginning his professional career with the AHL's Syracuse Crunch.

After several seasons developing in the minors, Colton finally earned his NHL opportunity during the shortened 2020-21 season. He made an immediate impression, scoring a goal in his NHL debut and quickly establishing himself as an energetic, versatile forward capable of contributing throughout the lineup. His combination of speed, physicality, and responsible two-way play made him a trusted option for Tampa Bay head coach Jon Cooper.

Colton's defining moment came during the 2021 Stanley Cup Final against the Montreal Canadiens. In Game 5, he scored the lone goal in a 1-0 victory, a goal that ultimately stood as the Stanley Cup-winning marker as the Lightning captured their second consecutive championship. For a player who had spent years grinding through the developmental system, it was the kind of career-defining moment every young player dreams about.

Following Tampa Bay's championship run, Colton continued to evolve into a dependable middle-six forward. He enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2021-22, scoring a career-high 22 goals and helping the Lightning reach a third consecutive Stanley Cup Final. While Tampa Bay ultimately fell to the Colorado Avalanche, Colton had proven he could provide valuable secondary scoring while maintaining a strong defensive presence.

Salary-cap pressures eventually forced the Lightning to make difficult roster decisions, and Colton was traded to the Colorado Avalanche during the summer of 2023. Colorado viewed him as a perfect fit for its fast-paced system, valuing his championship experience and versatility. Shortly after the trade, the Avalanche signed him to a four-year contract, signaling their belief that he could become an important piece of their core depth group.

Now, just three years later it appears that Colton has again been a salary cap casualty.