The Colorado Avalanche have found a rather unexpected sniper in Ross Colton this season. Colton has played out of his mind since joining the top line with Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen.
Colton has now tallied eight goals and one assist in 10 games. That sort of impressive offensive production has gone a long way in the Avs’ turnaround from a disappointing 0-4 start.
But Colton wasn’t placed on the top line by design. His promotion was more the result of necessity following Jonathan Drouin’s injury early in the season.
While the pleasant surprise has Avalanche fans feeling optimistic, there’s one major issue to consider: What happens to Colton when Drouin comes back? Moreover, the situation would become further compounded when Valeri Nichushkin returns.
The answer to that question is a complex one, but starts with one bold statement: Colton must remain on the top line with MacKinnon and Rantanen.
While Drouin is indeed a talented player, he’ll need time to get back into the groove once he returns to the lineup. Ditto for Nichuskin. As such, why fix something that isn’t broken? Keeping Colton on the top line buys the Avs time to allow Drouin and Nichushkin to get back into the fold easily.
As for where Drouin and Nichushkin should play, that’s a story for another day. Meanwhile, keeping Colton on the top line gives the Avs a solid top line that capitalizes on the team’s major strengths. Who knows, this could be a major breakout year for Colton after all.
Colton's injury could cost him the top-line spot
As if things couldn't get any worse for the Avs this season, Colton hit IR with a broken foot. He suffered the injury in the game against the Chicago Blackhawks last Monday night.
So, the situation begs the question: Will Ross Colton stay on the top line when he returns from injury?
That is a complicated question to answer as there are many variables to it. Let's start by exploring the most significant one. Assume for a minute that Jonathan Drouin gets back into the lineup before Colton. Also, assume that Drouin hits the ground running and doesn't miss a beat. That situation could easily cost Colton his spot on the top line.
Let's assume another variable: Valeri Nichushkin. Nichushkin is eligible to return in mid-November. So, also assume that he gets a shot at the top line and succeeds. That scenario would also cost Colton his spot on the top line.
There's also a third scenario to consider. What if an in-house option like Nikolai Kovalenko goes bonkers like Colton did? Would that warrant coach Jared Bednar to drop Colton in the lineup?
The fact of the matter is that the chemistry that Colton built with MacKinnon and Rantanen is genuine. Ross Colton must stay on the top line when he returns from injury, even if it means shuffling the lines to accommodate Drouin and Nichushkin. For example, why not put Drouin and Nichuskin with Casey Mittelstadt?
The bottom line is that the Avs cannot afford to waste the momentum has built this season. Colton must remain on the top line despite his recent injury.