A Bitter Avalanche Exit Has Turned Into a Career Year in Nashville

DENVER — Ross Colton never wanted his time in Colorado to end. But the Avalanche had other plans.

During the offseason, Colorado dealt the 30-year-old forward and goaltender Isak Posch to the Nashville Predators in exchange for goalie Magnus Chrona and two third-round draft picks. It wasn’t the move Colton wanted, but he’s making the most of his new surroundings.

And so far, Nashville is getting a pretty good return.

Through 17 games, Colton has five goals and eight points. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but consider his role. He’s skating on Nashville’s third line alongside another former Avalanche forward, Jack Drury, who also found himself on the move this offseason.

Even without a spot in the top six, Colton has been productive. His five goals are tied for fourth on the Predators, and his eight points rank fifth. Keep that pace up over an 84-game season, and he’d finish with 25 goals — a new career high.

His previous best came in 2021-22 with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Colton recorded 22 goals and 17 assists for 39 points that season, his first as a full-time NHL player. He had already gotten a taste of winning at the highest level, too.

As a rookie in 2020-21, Colton appeared in 30 games for Tampa Bay, scoring nine goals and adding three assists. The Lightning went on to win the Stanley Cup. He remained a contributor during their subsequent playoff run, finishing the two postseasons with nine goals and six assists across 46 games.

Now he’s trying to build something of his own in Nashville.

Of course, that doesn’t mean he’s forgotten about Colorado.

Colton got his first chance to face his former team on Nov. 5 at Ball Arena. He made it count, scoring against the Avalanche before Nashville pulled out a 3-2 overtime win.

The return was bound to feel strange. Colton had spent time building relationships in Colorado, and suddenly he was on the opposite side of the ice.

“It’s never fun playing against friends,” Colton told reporters before the game. “I feel like it was nice to maybe get one out of the way against these guys. I saw them after the game. Obviously, I miss them a lot. The first five minutes, 10 minutes, it is super weird. You just don’t feel right. Then it just feels like another game.”

Even the morning skate brought back memories.

“It honestly feels so weird, just being back in the building for the morning skate. Obviously, a lot of good memories, so it should be fun,” Colton said.

Leaving Colorado wasn’t his choice. What he does with the opportunity in Nashville is.

And through the first 17 games, he’s giving the Predators plenty of reason to believe there’s another level to his game.