The Colorado Avalanche may be down a key contributor when they take the ice Friday night against the Nashville Predators. Forward Ross Colton missed Thursday’s practice and is officially listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury, putting his availability for Friday in doubt.
Colton last suited up in Monday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Maple Leafs, a game that capped off a busy stretch for the Avs. Since then, the team’s had a few days to regroup, but Colton’s absence looms large as Colorado looks to keep its momentum rolling.
Now in his third season with the Avalanche, Colton has quietly carved out a valuable role in the lineup. Through 45 games this season, he’s notched 5 goals and 15 assists for 20 points, all while maintaining a strong plus-13 rating.
He’s averaging just under 13 minutes of ice time per game - a slight dip from previous years - but his impact hasn’t wavered. Whether it’s on the forecheck, killing penalties, or adding secondary scoring, Colton brings a reliable, physical presence to Colorado’s depth lines.
Before landing in Denver, Colton made his name with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and he’s carried that championship pedigree into the Avalanche locker room. Across 376 career regular season games, he’s tallied 85 goals and 87 assists, and while those numbers may not jump off the page, they speak to a player who consistently finds ways to contribute in all three zones.
His absence, if it carries into Friday, would be a notable loss for a team that thrives on its depth and two-way balance - especially against a Predators squad that can grind games down and make you earn every inch of ice.
Still, the Avalanche have been nothing short of dominant this season. At 33-4-8, they’ve built an 11-point cushion atop both the Central Division and the NHL standings. Their league-best +79 goal differential highlights just how complete this team has been, and their perfect 19-0-3 record at Ball Arena has made home ice a fortress.
As they chase the NHL’s single-season points record, every game matters - and every player counts. Whether or not Colton suits up Friday, the Avalanche will look to keep their foot on the gas before enjoying a short weekend break. After that, they’ll continue a seven-game homestand with matchups against Washington, Anaheim, and Philadelphia.
For now, all eyes are on Colton’s status - and whether Colorado’s depth can keep delivering at an elite level.