Ross Colton is seeking arbitration

Is it a surprise that Ross Colton has yet to sign a contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche? Yeah, a little. Should people start panicking?

Not at all.

on Wednesday, The NHLPA announced that 22 players around the league had filed for salary arbitration, and Colton happens to be one of the players who filed. Salary arbitration hearings are held from July 20 to August 4. This is not a big surprise. Arbitration is one of the few levers players have in contract negotiations, and it makes sense that Colton filed.

However, I would be very surprised if it went to that point.

Most players who file for salary arbitration settle the matter before their case is heard. Last year, 26 players applied for arbitration. Only one went through the whole process. No one seeking arbitration can sign the offer form anymore.

By filing for arbitration, it sets a clear deadline for when the contract must be extended and ensures that everything is completed well in advance of training camp.

When the Avalanche acquired Devon Toews in 2020, he also filed for arbitration. Three days before Toews and the Avalanche met in court, they settled down 4-year, $16.4 million contract extension.

Things could get ugly if it ends up in arbitration, but I’d be surprised if it went that far. With the NHL’s schedule this year, the draft and free agency got stuck together, so the two sides probably haven’t had much time to come together for the extension. Colorado wouldn’t have signed Colton if they didn’t see him as an important piece going forward.

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