A Cap‑Focused Trade Shakes Up Colorado's Roster
The Colorado Avalanche announced a trade that sent forward Ross Colton and goaltender Isak Posch to the Nashville Predators. In return, the Avs received two third‑round picks for the 2026 and 2027 drafts and the playing rights to Finnish netminder Magnus Chrona, who is slated to remain in Europe for the 2026‑27 season.
General manager Chris MacFarland, who previously brought Colton to Nashville in a 2022 deal, said the move is part of a broader effort to reshape the roster while preserving financial flexibility.
Colton, entering the final year of a four‑year contract signed in the summer of 2023, posted a career‑high 40 points last season but managed only nine goals and 24 points in 73 games this year. His $4 million cap hit will be absorbed by Colorado, allowing the club to allocate more resources toward strengthening its defensive core.
The draft assets include a 2026 third‑rounder that belongs to Nashville and a 2027 third‑rounder that originally belonged to the Avalanche. Chrona, who is headed to Sweden for the upcoming season, is not expected to join the Avalanche organization.