What happened: Ross Colton has five goals and eight points through his first 17 games with the Nashville Predators after arriving in an offseason trade from the Colorado Avalanche. Skating on the third line alongside Jack Drury, the 30-year-old forward is projected to reach 25 goals over an 84-game regular-season schedule. That pace would eclipse his previous career mark of 22 goals, established during the 2021-22 season with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Why it matters: Colton's five goals tie him for fourth on Nashville, giving the Predators crucial secondary scoring from outside the top six. The production validates Nashville's offseason trade with the Colorado Avalanche, who moved Colton and goaltender Isak Posch in exchange for goalie Magnus Chrona and two third-round draft selections. Colton has already factored against his former team this season, scoring in Nashville's 3-2 overtime win over Colorado on Nov. 5.
By the numbers: • 2026-27 (Nashville): 17 games, 5 goals, 8 points (84-game pace: 25 goals) • 2021-22 career high (Tampa Bay): 22 goals, 17 assists, 39 points • 2020-21 rookie season (Tampa Bay): 30 games, 9 goals, 3 assists • Tampa Bay postseason totals: 46 games, 9 goals, 6 assists
What to watch: Nashville continues regular-season action with Colton aiming to sustain his The Predators will look for his third-line partnership with Drury to keep providing depth offense.