The move brings the Lightning back into the second round of the 2023 NHL draft.
With just hours ahead of the 2023 NHL Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired an early second-round pick, 37th overall, from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forward Ross Colton, vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois announced today.
The Lightning were in a somewhat tricky position with Colton. He scored multiple big-time playoff goals, one being the game-winner of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. By the same token, his quality of play and production decreased a small amount this past year. He was due for a raise, well over his current $1.25 million qualifying offer.
The Lightning weren’t previously set to pick in until the sixth and seventh round. The move brings them back early into the second round of the 2023 NHL draft.
During his three seasons in Tampa, Colton had 89 points in 190 regular season games.