Ross Colton is an American professional ice hockey center playing for the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL as of 2024. Born on September 11, 1996, in Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, Colton's journey in hockey began at Princeton Day School before transferring to the Taft School in Connecticut. He then showcased his talent in the USHL with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, setting league records for goals and points at the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.
Drafted in the fourth round by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2016, Colton played with the Vermont Catamounts men's hockey team for two seasons before turning professional. During his time with the Lightning, Colton scored a goal during the Stanley Cup playoff in 2021.
Ross Colton's contract breakdown
Ross Colton signed a four-year, $16,000,000 contract with the Colorado Avalanche starting in the 2023-24 season. The deal includes a $500,000 signing bonus and guarantees the full $16,000,000. The average annual salary is $4,000,000, with a cap hit of the same amount each season. Colton will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) at the end of the 2026-27 season as per Spotrac. Below is a table summarizing his contract history:
| Season | Age | Cap Hit | League Cap | Cash Earnings | Cumulative Cash |
| 2023-24 | 27 | $4,000,000 | $4,100,000 | $4,100,000 | $4,100,000 |
| 2024-25 | 28 | $4,000,000 | $4,000,000 | $3,500,000 + $500,000 (bonus) | $8,100,000 |
| 2025-26 | 29 | $4,000,000 | $4,000,000 | $4,000,000 | $12,100,000 |
| 2026-27 | 30 | $4,000,000 | $3,900,000 | $3,900,000 | $16,000,000 |
Ross Colton salary
Ross Colton's current contract with the Colorado Avalanche is from 2023-24 to 2026-27. His salary breakdown is as follows as per Spotrac:
2023-24 Season: $4,000,000
2024-25 Season: $3,500,000 base salary + $500,000 signing bonus
2025-26 Season: $4,000,000
2026-27 Season: $4,000,000
How much of Ross Colton’s contract is guaranteed?
Ross Colton’s contract with the Colorado Avalanche is fully guaranteed, which is $16,000,000 over four years. This amount includes his $500,000 signing bonus and base salaries throughout the contract's duration.
Ross Colton's career earnings
Ross Colton’s career earnings through the 2024 NHL season total $10,475,000. These earnings come from his time with two NHL teams and include salary payments and bonuses. By the end of his contract in 2026, Colton is projected to earn $18,375,000 as per Spotrac.
Ross Colton's contract history
Ross Colton has signed five NHL contracts throughout his career as per Spotrac. Here’s a detailed breakdown of his contract history:
| Year Signed | Team | Contract Type | Years | Total Value | Signing Bonus | Average Annual Value (AAV) | Free Agent Status |
| 2018 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Rookie | 2 | $1,850,000 | $185,000 | $925,000 | 2020 (RFA) |
| 2020 | Tampa Bay Lightning | One-year | 1 | $700,000 | N/A | $700,000 | 2021 (RFA) |
| 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | Extension | 2 | $2,250,000 | N/A | $1,125,000 | 2023 (RFA) |
| 2023 | Colorado Avalanche | Extension | 4 | $16,000,000 | $500,000 | $4,000,000 | 2027 (UFA) |
FAQs on Ross Colton contract
A. Ross Colton's contract is four years long, starting in the 2023-24 season
A. Ross Colton was traded to the Avalanche on June 28, 2023.
A. Ross Colton has won one Stanley Cup in 2021 with the Tampa Bay Lightning where he scored a goal.
A. Ross Colton has played for the Tampa Bay Lightning and now with the Colorado Avalanche as of 2024.
