Ross Colton

Lore & Background

Ross Colton grew up in Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, and played for the Mercer Chiefs under coach Chris Barcless. He attended Princeton Day School for two seasons before transferring to Taft School in Connecticut for his junior year. After being drafted by the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the USHL, he set a league record for most goals and points at the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. He played two seasons at the University of Vermont, earning a Hockey East All-Rookie Team selection and a Hockey East All-Star Honorable Mention.

Colton signed an entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2018 and made his NHL debut on February 24, 2021, scoring a goal in a 3–0 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. He became the ninth player in Lightning history to score in his NHL debut and the second to record a game-winning goal in his first game. In the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals, he scored the first goal of Game 5, which became the winning goal and clinched the championship for Tampa Bay.

After two more seasons with the Lightning, Colton was traded to the Colorado Avalanche on June 28, 2023, in exchange for a second-round pick. He signed a four-year, $16 million contract on July 17, 2023, avoiding salary arbitration. He made his Avalanche debut on October 11, 2023, centering the third line and recording an assist in a 5–1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. During the 2023–24 season, he recorded his 100th career NHL point and finished the regular season with 17 goals and a career-best 23 assists for 40 points in 80 games. He played all 11 postseason games for the Avalanche in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, recording 1 goal and 4 points.

Reader's Guide

Ross Colton's tenure with the Colorado Avalanche, though spanning only three seasons, marked a significant chapter in his career as a reliable depth forward. Acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning in a trade for a second-round pick, Colton brought Stanley Cup experience and a reputation for clutch scoring, having netted the championship-winning goal in 2021. His signing of a four-year, $16 million contract demonstrated the Avalanche's investment in his role as a top-nine forward. During his first season with the team, he centered the third line, reached his 200th NHL game, and recorded his 100th career point. He finished the regular season second on the team in hits and posted career highs in assists and points. In the 2024 playoffs, he appeared in all 11 games, contributing 1 goal and 4 points. Colton's time in Colorado ended with a trade to the Nashville Predators in the 2026 offseason, concluding a period in which he provided steady two-way play and postseason experience to the Avalanche lineup.

Did You Know?

• He was the ninth player in Lightning history to score a goal in his NHL debut.
• He recorded his 100th career NHL point on December 27, 2023, as a member of the Avalanche.