Ross Colton (© Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/9337edce-e49b-4992-b829-94f2851ba0c9.jpeg] Ross Colton (© Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images) During the 2023 NHL off-season, the Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning] traded forward Ross Colton to the Colorado Avalanche. While he was a key part of the Lightning [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwruDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen]'s forward group, their limited cap space forced them to move on from the former fan favorite. Colton made an immediate impact during his first season with the Avalanche in 2023-24. In 80 games, he scored 17 goals and set new career highs with 23 assists and 40 points. He has also been solid for the Avs yet again this campaign, posting 15 goals, 27 points, and 135 hits in 53 games. However, Colton is heating up down the stretch and playing some of his best hockey of the season right now. In his last 11 games, the former Lightning forward has 12 points and a plus-7 rating. This includes two assists in the Avalanche's most recent matchup against the Ottawa Senators on March 20. When playing at his best, Colton is capable of providing solid secondary offensive scoring to go along with his grit and steady defensive play. Right now, he is giving the Avalanche just that, and it will be fascinating to see if the former Bolt can keep his hot streak going from here. Recent Lightning News Lightning Assign Cam Atkinson To AHL & Call Up Goaltender [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-assign-cam-atkinson-to-ahl-call-up-goaltender?backLinkUrl=%2Fnhl%2Ftampa-bay-lightning%2Fauthor%2Fmichael-derosa&backLinkLabel=Back%20to%20michaelderosa@THNew] Lightning's Brandon Hagel Sets New NHL Record [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightnings-brandon-hagel-sets-new-nhl-record?backLinkUrl=%2Fnhl%2Ftampa-bay-lightning%2Fauthor%2Fmichael-derosa&backLinkLabel=Back%20to%20michaelderosa@THNew] Lightning's Nikita Kucherov Closing In On Massive Accomplishment [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightnings-nikita-kucherov-closing-in-on-massive-accomplishment] Lightning's Darren Raddysh Is Hitting New Level [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightnings-darren-raddysh-is-hitting-new-level] Exciting Lightning Prospect Is Heating Up In AHL [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/exciting-lightning-prospect-is-heating-up-in-ahl] Lightning Star Forward Hits Multiple New Career-Highs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-star-forward-hits-multiple-new-career-highs?backLinkUrl=%2Fnhl%2Ftampa-bay-lightning%2Fauthor%2Fmichael-derosa&backLinkLabel=Back%20to%20michaelderosa@THNew]
