Avalanche commerce for Ross Colton from the Lightning. They’re anticipated to lose J.T. Compher

The Colorado Avalanche acquired ahead Ross Colton in a commerce with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, hours earlier than the beginning of the NHL draft.

Colorado despatched the thirty seventh decide within the draft to Tampa Bay for the participant who scored the Lightning’s Stanley Cup-clinching objective in 2021.

The transfer nearly definitely spells the tip of J.T. Compher’s time with the Avalanche. An individual with information of the state of affairs informed The Associated Press that Compher is testing the free agent market.

The individual spoke to the AP on situation of anonymity as a result of the group didn’t announce Compher’s anticipated departure.

Colton would fill that void as Colorado’s newest acquisition. The group traded for middle Ryan Johansen, getting him at half value in a cope with Nashville, and despatched pending restricted free agent Alex Newhook to Montreal.

The thirty seventh decide going from the Avalanche to the Lightning was a part of the return for Newhook.

Colton, who turns 27 earlier than subsequent season begins, is also a pending restricted free agent. He’s anticipated to get a elevate from the $1.25 million he made final season.

He has 102 factors in 240 regular-season and playoff NHL video games.

The Avalanche are attempting to rebuild, understanding captain Gabriel Landeskog will miss a second consecutive season whereas recovering from cartilage alternative surgical procedure in his proper knee. They’re capable of put him on long-term injured reserve and use the $7 million in cap area.

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