As the NHL gears up for the Entry Draft and free agency, trade talks are heating up across the league, especially with the impending end of the Stanley Cup Final. Among the names surfacing in trade discussions is Ross Colton of the Colorado Avalanche. Colton, with a $4 million cap hit, has drawn attention due to the Avalanche’s need to manage their cap space before his full no-trade clause activates on July 1.
The Buffalo Sabres have emerged as potential suitors for Colton, aiming to bolster their third-line center position. Colton’s attributes as a player make him an attractive target for the Sabres; he brings solid secondary scoring, strong defensive play, and a gritty style that could complement their roster well.
At 27 years old and coming off a career-high 40-point season with the Avalanche, Colton is seen as entering his prime, enhancing his appeal to teams seeking immediate impact.
Colton played a key role for the Avalanche last season, scoring 17 goals and making his mark with 141 hits. His championship experience, having won the Stanley Cup, adds significant appeal to teams like the Sabres, who are eager to end their 13-year playoff drought. Adding a player of Colton’s caliber could enhance Buffalo’s competitiveness and align with their ambitions to progress into playoff contention.
With the trade deadline looming and teams positioning themselves for offseason moves, the interest in Colton underscores the strategic maneuvers teams are making to enhance their rosters ahead of the upcoming season. As discussions intensify, it remains to be seen whether Colton will indeed find himself in a new jersey by the time the NHL offseason concludes.