The terrifying truth on why Avalanche's Ross Colton is poised for a breakout campaign
Photo credit: Matthew Stockman / Mile High Sticking
The shocking truth behind why Colorado Avalanche forward Ross Colton is still on the rise and poised to emerge as a true superstar in the upcoming NHL season.
If healthy, Colton is set to grab the spotlight and command major attention across the league.
Ryan O'Hara from Mile High Hockey writes that at 28, Colton is under contract with the Avalanche through the 2026-27 season, locked into a four-year deal signed just over two years ago with a $4 million average annual value, a bargain given his untapped potential.
When placed in the right situation, Colton has shown he can be one of the NHL's most dynamic and consistently underrated forwards. His standout moment came as a rookie, scoring the championship-winning goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, a clutch performance defined by calm and precision under immense pressure.
"Some pundits debated entering the offseason the possibility of trading Colton. Reminiscent of his situation with the Lightning, it was more due to concerns with the salary cap. However, with Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood shipped off to the Columbus Blue Jackets, that's no longer a concern." -O'Hara
Not all Avalanche fans are sold on Colton just yet. Some have expressed frustration over his inconsistency and argue that his skill set fits better on the wing rather than at center, and they have a point. That very distinction is key to understanding the challenge he faces. Let me explain further...
Since joining Colorado, Colton hasn't been utilized in a way that truly plays to his strengths. In the 2023-24 season, head coach Jared Bednar made the strategic call to move him to center, a position Colton hadn't played at the NHL level before. While he managed the role adequately, the shift ultimately diminished his offensive effectiveness.
"He posted 40 points in 80 games, a respectable total given the circumstances, but one that arguably fell short of his potential. Had he remained on the wing, it's reasonable to believe that number would have been significantly higher." -O'Hara
Indeed, the 2024-25 season provided a clear glimpse of what Colton can achieve when put in a role better suited for him. Early on, Bednar moved him back to the wing, where Colton thrived alongside Nathan MacKinnon.
For a time, he ranked among the league's top three goal scorers, showcasing a natural scoring instinct and offensive flow that suggested he could be a legitimate Art Ross Trophy contender.
"In many ways, Colton's tenure in Colorado has been defined by unrealized potential-hindered not by a lack of talent, but by positional misalignment and untimely injury." -O'Hara
Still, there's plenty of reason to be optimistic. Colton has approached the offseason with impressive focus and determination, intent on reclaiming his role as a key contributor for the Avalanche.
We had the chance to observe several of his training sessions firsthand and noticed significant improvement in both his skating and shooting technique.
For Avalanche fans, the message is clear: Colton is gearing up for a strong comeback. With the 2025-26 season fast approaching, everything suggests he's poised for a breakout year.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
AOUT 4 | 32 ANSWERS The terrifying truth on why Avalanche's Ross Colton is poised for a breakout campaign Do you think Avalanche forward Ross Colton is poised for a career-year next NHL season? | ||
| yes | 26 | 81.3 % |
| no | 6 | 18.8 % |
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