Ross Colton's upcoming season with the Avalanche in doubt after latest development
Photo credit: China Wong / NHLI
Ross Colton's upcoming season with the Colorado Avalanche is now shrouded in uncertainty, as lingering questions about whether he can consistently thrive as a full-time winger continue to surface.
With the team relying on Colton to contribute at a high level, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if he can solidify his role and meet expectations in the coming campaign.
Ross Colton's upcoming season with the Avalanche in doubt.
Aarif Deen from Colorado Hockey Now writes that it's widely known that when Colton was acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Avalanche hoped to move him to center to fill the third-line role left vacant by J.T. Compher's departure.
"Things started out okay in 2023-24, but it didn't quite stick the way the team wanted. After starting the 2024-25 season in that position flanked by Miles Wood and Logan O'Connor, Colton was shifted to the wing when injuries decimated the Avs' top six.
They were already without Valeri Nichushkin (suspension) and Artturi Lehkonen (injury) when Jonathan Drouin suffered an injury on opening night. Colton's experience on the wing became a necessity, and he was placed on the top line with Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon." -Deen
They were already without Valeri Nichushkin (suspension) and Artturi Lehkonen (injury) when Jonathan Drouin suffered an injury on opening night. Colton's experience on the wing became a necessity, and he was placed on the top line with Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon." -Deen
The start of the season looked promising for Colton, who notched eight goals and nine points in just 10 games. But an injury in his 11th game sidelined him for six weeks, and his season never fully recovered, at least until after the trade deadline, when he finally got consistent linemates and the chance to play his game without a fragmented roster.
It's well documented by now that when Ross Colton was acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Avalanche felt they could shift him to center to fill that third-line role they had just lost in J.T. Compher's departure.
Things started out okay in 2023-24, but it didn't quite stick the way the team wanted. After starting the 2024-25 season in that position flanked by Miles Wood and Logan O'Connor, Colton was shifted to the wing when injuries decimated the Avs' top six.
They were already without Valeri Nichushkin (suspension) and Artturi Lehkonen (injury) when Jonathan Drouin suffered an injury on opening night. Colton's experience on the wing became a necessity, and he was placed on the top line with Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon.
READ MORE: 3 Questions Facing Avalanche: Gabe Landeskog, Goaltending, and Arrival of Brent Burns
The early returns were great. Colton had eight goals and nine points in just 10 games. But in the 11th game? An injury put him on the shelf for six weeks. And his season was never quite the same. At least not until after the trade deadline when he was finally given consistent line mates and an opportunity to play his game without half the roster playing minimal minutes.
"Unlike last season, the Avalanche are starting the year with depth. They have 12 capable forwards. Even if Victor Olofsson's success in Denver is yet to be determined, and even if Jack Drury might fit better as a fourth-line center, it's still a lot better than what they had for three quarters of last year's regular season.
Colton has a chance to play the wing on a third line that has the potential to do damage. At least for the role they play. He also will continue to be that Swiss army knife that can slot into the top six as needed. Unlike last year, he can help out with a talented second line, and not have to face the top defensemen on other teams that are often up against MacKinnon." -Deen
Colton has a chance to play the wing on a third line that has the potential to do damage. At least for the role they play. He also will continue to be that Swiss army knife that can slot into the top six as needed. Unlike last year, he can help out with a talented second line, and not have to face the top defensemen on other teams that are often up against MacKinnon." -Deen
This season presents Colton with a chance to finally have his breakout year, but can he seize it?
"I have some doubts. And it's largely connected to the inconsistencies he's shown over the years. But I also do think Colton is slightly underrated for what he brings. Of all the depth forwards that have been in and out of the organization since 2022, none of them have the Stanley Cup experience that Colton has. None have played as many postseason games as him, and none have scored a Stanley Cup winning goal." -Deen
Colton has the potential to score 20+ goals and reach 40-50 points next season, playing versatile roles in the middle six and clicking with players like Brock Nelson, Nichushkin, and possibly Landeskog.
Success will hinge on a strong training camp and consistency, proving why keeping him over Charlie Coyle at $4 million was the right move for the Avalanche.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 5 | 21 ANSWERS Ross Colton's upcoming season with the Avalanche in doubt after latest development Will Ross Colton have a breakout season with the Avalanche? | ||
| yes | 12 | 57.1 % |
| no | 9 | 42.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
