Ross Colton Becomes Imminent Trade Candidate in Colorado

Following the best point output of his career, third-line center Ross Colton could be one and done with the Colorado Avalanche, as he's been named as a top-10 trade candidate this offseason by hockey insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff.

The Avs are facing uncertainty around the futures of captain Gabriel Landeskog and the currently suspended Valeri Nichushkin. They also have a hefty extension that needs to be handed out to 2C Casey Mittelstadt and a Jonathan Drouin contract upcoming as well to stave off free agency. All of this leaves the Avalanche in a salary cap bind.

But if Colton and his $4 million cap hit for the next three seasons are to be the scapegoat, it'll need to happen within the next 10 days, as he has a full no-trade clause that kicks in on July 1st. From now until then, he has zero trade protection.

Colton was acquired by Colorado just about a year ago in a cost-savings move by the Tampa Bay Lightning, which means he could be facing the same fate for the second year in a row.

The 27-year-old posted 17 goals, 23 assists and 40 points in 13:43 ice time per game this season with the Avs. The 6-foot, 200-pounder also handed out 141 hits.

His cap hit isn't too onerous, and there should be a trade market for Colton, who popped 22 goals in his first full season back in 2021-22.