In the opening chapter of their 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs quest, the Colorado Avalanche put on a dazzling display against the Dallas Stars, securing a decisive 5-1 victory on the road. However, the triumph was dampened by an injury concern.

Head coach Jared Bednar provided an update post-game, acknowledging that forward Ross Colton sustained a lower-body injury. He expressed optimism about receiving a clearer picture of Colton’s status by Sunday.

Colton’s evening was cut short in the third period; he logged 7:04 on the ice, contributing one shot and three hits before his early exit. As he wraps up his sophomore season with the Avalanche, Colton’s regular-season performance has been solid. He notched 16 goals and 13 assists, racking up 29 points, though he faced a challenging minus-one rating and collected 18 penalty minutes over 61 games.

The journey of the 28-year-old forward, originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the fourth round of the 2016 NHL Draft, has been noteworthy. Hailing from Robbinsville, New Jersey, Colton has skated through 331 games between his stints with the Lightning and the Avalanche, accumulating 80 goals and 72 assists for a total of 152 points.

The 2023-24 season marked a high point in Colton’s career with the Avalanche. He achieved a career-high 40 points, with 17 goals and 23 assists over 80 games, showcasing his growing influence on the ice. His postseason experience is equally impressive; Colton has tallied 23 points in 64 playoff appearances, highlighted by a key contribution of four goals and two assists during the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 2021 Stanley Cup-winning run.

Colton’s transition to the Avalanche came via a strategic offseason trade with the Lightning in 2023. Colorado acquired him in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Currently, he’s in the second year of a four-year contract, which carries a $4 million average annual value, according to PuckPedia.

As the Avalanche continue their playoff journey, Colton’s health will be a critical factor. His mix of regular-season consistency and postseason savvy makes him a valued asset, and the team will be hoping for a speedy recovery as they aim to build on their strong series opener.