Ross Colton
A versatile third-line center who set career highs with the Avs before moving to Nashville.
Ross Colton is an American professional ice hockey center who played three seasons with the Colorado Avalanche following a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Born on September 11, 1996, in Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, he arrived in Denver via a June 28, 2023 transaction involving a second-round selection. During his tenure, Colton established himself as a top-nine utility forward, recording career highs with 40 points and 23 assists in the 2023–24 regular season. He made his Avalanche debut on opening night against the Los Angeles Kings and later reached milestones including his 100th career NHL point in an overtime loss to Arizona before a subsequent trade to Nashville in 2026.
- Jersey Number
- 18
- Contract Signed
- July 17, 2023
- Contract Value
- $16 million over four years
- Avalanche Debut Date
- October 11, 2023
- Regular Season Games (Colorado)
- 80
- Goals (Colorado)
- 17
- Assists (Colorado)
- 23
- Points (Colorado)
- 40
- Team Hits Rank (2023-24)
- Second
- Playoff Games (Colorado)
- 11
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Colton's time in Colorado began on June 28, 2023, when he was traded by Tampa Bay for a second-round pick. Initially facing salary arbitration, he avoided it by signing a four-year, $16 million contract on July 17, 2023. His debut came on October 11, 2023, against the Los Angeles Kings where he registered an assist in a 5-1 victory. He played a utility role in the top nine, earning his 200th career NHL appearance on November 4 against Vegas and reaching his 100th career point on December 27 with an assist on a Jonathan Drouin goal during a 5-4 overtime loss to Arizona. Colton finished that regular season ranking second in team hits with 17 goals, 23 assists, and 40 points across 80 games. In the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he skated in all 11 contests for the Avalanche, recording one goal and four points before departing in a June 16, 2026 trade to Nashville.
In Their Own Story
On October 11, 2023, Ross Colton stepped onto the ice for his first game as an Avalanche, centering the third line in a dominant 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Just weeks later on November 4, he marked his 200th career NHL appearance against the Vegas Golden Knights. The defining statistical moment of his Colorado tenure arrived on December 27, 2023, when he recorded an assist on a Jonathan Drouin goal in a 5-4 overtime defeat to the Arizona Coyotes, securing his 100th career NHL point. That season saw him log a career-best 40 points and rank second on the team in hits. His playoff run included all 11 postseason contests in 2024, where he added one goal and four points before his tenure ended with a trade to Nashville alongside Isak Posch on June 16, 2026.
Reader's Guide
Ross Colton served as a depth forward for the Colorado Avalanche from 2023 until 2026. His role centered on versatility within the top nine lines and providing physical presence, evidenced by finishing second in team hits during the 2023–24 season. He was a key contributor in the faceoff circle and critical defensive situations. Colton's statistics for the Avalanche include career highs of 17 goals, 23 assists, and 40 points in 80 regular-season games. In the postseason, he appeared in all 11 playoff games during the 2024 campaign, tallying one goal and four points. His contract was a four-year deal worth $16 million signed on July 17, 2023, following his trade from Tampa Bay.
Did You Know?
- Colton signed a four-year, $16 million contract with Colorado on July 17, 2023, after initially filing for salary arbitration.
- He recorded his 100th career NHL point on December 27, 2023, with an assist in a game against the Arizona Coyotes.
- Colton finished the 2023–24 regular season ranking second on the Avalanche team in hits.
- He played in all 11 of Colorado's postseason games during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, recording one goal and four points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ross Colton?
Ross Colton is an energy forward for the Colorado Avalanche who wears jersey number 18 and joined the team in August 2021 via a trade from Tampa Bay.
What role does he play on the team?
He serves as a gritty engine known for his high-energy style, defensive responsibility, and ability to handle tough minutes across various line combinations.
How did he contribute to the 2022 Stanley Cup win?
Colton was integral to the championship run by providing reliable physical play and unwavering commitment when the stakes were highest during the playoffs.
Why is he important to the Avalanche identity?
His versatility and dedication to a physical style of play helped power the team back to glory, cementing his place as a key depth player.
How did Ross Colton join Colorado?
He arrived in the franchise through a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning in August 2021, quickly becoming a staple of the roster's core.
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