Avalanche's Ross Colton Pays The Price For Cross-Check

Ross Colton was the center of controversy Tuesday night in the Colorado Avalanche's 6-3 win over the New Jersey Devils. He racked up 17 minutes in penalties on one play: After drawing a two-minute minor for boarding Devils defenceman Luke Hughes, he then proceeded to cross-check Timo Meier in the face, garnering a five-minute major and game misconduct.

Now the NHL has responded with the maximum monetary hit allowable, slapping Colton with a $5,000 fine. But he will not receive a suspension.

#GoAvsGo forward Ross Colton ejected (5 + game misconduct) for cross-checking Timo Meier in the face.

Also got 2 minutes for boarding Luke Hughes. #NJDevils pic.twitter.com/Uk0zzf7cyI
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) November 8, 2023

Avs F Ross Colton has been fined $5,000 for cross-checking Devils F Timo Meier during last night's game
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) November 8, 2023

Colton clearly regrets his actions, as he said afterwards that he hopes both Hughes and Meier are OK. Colton called his hit on Hughes one of those hockey plays that “looked worse than it actually was,” though we're not sure that Hughes would agree.

Colton then added that when Meier came in to challenge him after the Hughes hit, he got his stick up in trying to defend himself. He did, though, admit that that was definitely a penalty.

“Not the way I want to play,” said the 27-year-old forward.

Photo: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports