Stanley Cup champion Ross Colton could join the Leafs in new trade proposal

The proposal would send Ross Colton, a Stanley Cup champion, from Colorado to Toronto in exchange for defenseman Timothy Liljegren and a 2026 third-round draft pick.

As Reported by Frank Seravalli back in June, the Avalanche are exploring trades for Colton to free cap space, even with his $4M AAV contract.

Following up on Frank Seravalli's report, The Athletic's Kevin Papetti had indicated that the Toronto Maple Leafs might be looking into acquiring Ross Colton.

Ross Colton's journey in the NHL began with the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2020-2021 season. Despite a modest regular season, Colton made a significant impact in the playoffs, scoring the Stanley Cup-winning goal.

This memorable moment marked the first time a rookie had achieved this feat since Mike Rupp with New Jersey in 2003, and only the seventh time in NHL history.

In his subsequent seasons with the Lightning, Colton demonstrated consistent performance, contributing 83 points over 190 regular-season games. His career continued with the Colorado Avalanche, where he scored 23 goals and added 40 points in 80 games last season.

Fast forward to the present day, a recent proposal on the NHL armchair management site PuckPedia suggests trading Colton to the Maple Leafs. In return, the Avalanche would receive Timothy Liljegren and a 2026 third-round draft pick. This suggestion reflects the ongoing debate over how best to balance team rosters and future prospects.

While Colton's contributions are undeniable, the trade's value is questioned by some. Liljegren, who played 55 games last season and recorded 23 points, represents a key defensive asset.

However, given Colton's proven scoring ability and playoff pedigree, some argue that the proposed return�particularly the inclusion of an additional $1 million in salary cap space�might not fully reflect his value.

As discussions around this trade continue, the question remains whether this proposed swap would address the Maple Leafs' needs or if the Avalanche's offer sufficiently compensates for Colton's proven contributions.

Source: Heavy
Trade Pitch Has Maple Leafs Acquiring Stanley Cup Champion Forward From Avs}»