The NHL Department of Player Safety handed Avalanche forward Ross Colton the maximum allowable fine for a "dangerous trip" on Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson.

Colorado's third-line center was assessed a $5,000 fine for the second time in the 2023-24 season, and it's only a quarterway in. 

The NHL Department of Player Safety released this statement on Sunday morning:

Colorado Avalanche forward Ross Colton has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for a dangerous trip against Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson during NHL Game No. 366 in Anaheim on Saturday, Dec. 2, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 3:24 of the third period. Colton was assessed a minor penalty for tripping.

-

The 27-year-old was charged the same fine for cross-checking New Jersey Devils forward Timo Meier on Nov. 7. That incident resulted in Colton getting a major penalty and game misconduct.

Colton talked to media about the penalties and how the play developed after his fine was announced on Nov. 8. He took full responsibility for his actions.

"Knew he was going to hit me, I was going to hit him, and unfortunately, my stick got up and caught him," Colton said. "Hope he's ok — that's not my game. It was unfortunate, it was definitely a penalty. Not the way I want to play ... kind of had a pit in my stomach there, thought I was going to hurt just a little bit. It was unfortunate, and I hope those guys are ok." 

Colton's two postgame infractions are the only he's had in his four-year career. He leads the Avalanche in penalties in minutes, but Bowen Byram is only one minute behind him and Josh Manson has three fewer. The Avalanche rank fifth in the League for average penalty minutes per game with 12. 

No other player in the League has been given multiple fines or suspensions so far this season. Last season, only four players were assessed more than one fine and/or suspension.