Report: Avalanche's Ross Colton Linked to Offseason Trade

The Colorado Avalanche have their backs against the wall, down 3-0 to the Vegas Golden Knights. While general manager Chris MacFarland has done a great job constructed a competitive roster the past few seasons, once again heading into the offseason there's going to be some major decisions to be made.

The Avs made splashes the past couple of seasons landing Martin Necas and reuniting with Nazem Kadri, however, there's not a ton of cap space to work with this offseason, and Daily Faceoff's Matt Larkin feels there's one forward in particular who is going to be forced out of town:

The Avs are trying to remain atop the NHL’s mountain coming off a Presidents’ Trophy (and potentially Stanley Cup) win, which will be extremely challenging to do with $2.98 million in projected cap space and four defensemen hitting unrestricted free agency. Ross Colton is an effective, physical middle-six forward who can play center or the wing, but $4 million is a luxury for someone who averages 9:45 of ice time this postseason and was even healthy scratched for a game. At 29, he still has plenty to offer an inferior club that could play him a lot more. He has some trade value.

Colton owns a 12-team no-trade clause, so he does have some say in the matter. While his role has slowly diminished during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, considering his speed and sandpaper style of play, there's going to be a market for his services.

Don't be surprised to see the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens check in on Colton's price tag, as both teams are looking for help down the middle of the ice this summer.