Avalanche Sign Big RFA Pre-Arbitration

The Colorado Avalanche have come to terms with Ross Colton, who they acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning earlier this offseason, on a four-year, $4 million AAV contract.

Ross Colton and Colorado have a pre-arbitration agreement: 4x$4M

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 17, 2023

This deal buys them three UFA years, as noted by Frank Seravalli. Colton is 26 years old and has one Stanley Cup. He is going into his fourth season in the NHL and has scored 47 goals and 83 points in 190 games. Last season saw his offense take a step back from 2021-22, but he is still a very strong third line center that the Avalanche desperately need.

Colton should see an increase in ice time on the Avalanche and is a physical forward who can put the puck in the back of the net. As of now, he forms a formidable third line with Miles Wood and Logan O'Connor and Colton brings 52 games of playoff experience to the table already. This signing indicates the Avalanche are expecting him to get even better and get back to the 20-goal mark each season.

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