(Denver) The Colorado Avalanche and forward Ross Colton have agreed to a four-year contract, avoiding salary arbitration.
The deal will net Colton $16 million, for an average annual salary of $4 million, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on Monday on condition of anonymity because the Avalanche did not disclose the terms of the contract.
The team acquired Colton from the Tampa Bay Lightning prior to the NHL Draft, in exchange for the 37th pick.
The forward was a restricted free agent, and the fact that he was eligible for the salary arbitration process could have hurt the Lightning, who didn’t have much space under the salary cap. Colton was therefore a logical candidate for a trade.
The 26-year-old Colton scored the Stanley Cup Finals game-winning goal for the Lightning in 2021. He was also with the team the following season when they lost to the Avalanche in the Finals.
“He works hard and is a complete center player with a great track record,” Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland said at the time of the trade to the Lightning. He brings tough play, is very competitive and his versatility makes him an important addition to our team. ยป
Colton scored 83 points in 190 NHL regular season games, all with the Lightning.
