Nashville Predators’ newly appointed executive Chris MacFarland has engineered a blockbuster trade that swaps veteran forward Ross Colton and AHL standout goaltender Isak Posch to the Colorado Avalanche for net‑minder Magnus Chrona and two third‑round draft selections.
The Players Involved
Colton, a versatile centre known for his grit and physical play, contributed nine goals and 15 assists last season and ranked third on the Avalanche roster with 159 hits. Posch, who earned a spot in the 2026 AHL All‑Star Classic for the Pacific Division, brings a promising pedigree after a national championship run with the University of Denver.
Chrona, a University of Denver alumnus who captured a national title in 2021‑22, posted a 2.94 goals‑against average with the Milwaukee Admirals before joining a crease that already features Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood, the reigning William M. Jennings Trophy winners.
Draft Capital and the Return of Sakic
The deal also restores valuable draft picks to Colorado’s front office, where Joe Sakic, the architect of the 2022 Stanley Cup championship, now resumes his role as general manager. Sakic’s influence extends beyond the trade, shaping the Avalanche’s long‑term strategy as they balance veteran presence with emerging talent.
For Nashville, the acquisition of a seasoned forward and a promising goaltender signals a push to reinforce depth while capitalizing on draft assets that could accelerate the rebuild. The move reflects MacFarland’s intent to blend experience with future flexibility as the Predators eye a competitive return to the playoffs.