July 17, 2023, 5:46 PM
The Colorado Avalanche and forward Ross Colton have avoided arbitration after agreeing to a four-year, $16-million contract Monday.
Colton was acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 2023 second-round draft pick on June 28.
The 26-year-old from Robbinsville, N.J. had 32 points (16 goals and 16 assists) in 81 games with the Lightning last season. He also added a goal and three assists in six playoff games.
Colton recorded 83 points (47 goals and 36 assists) in 190 games over three seasons with Tampa Bay and won the Stanley Cup with the team in 2021.
He was drafted in the fourth round, 118th overall, by the Lightning in 2016.