The Nashville Predators acquired forward Ross Colton and goaltender Isak Posch from the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday, adding NHL depth in Chris MacFarland's first trade as the club's president of hockey operations and general manager.
The Predators announced the deal on June 16, 2026. Nashville sent its own third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, Colorado's own third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft and goaltender Magnus Chrona to the Avalanche. ESPN's NHL feed separately confirmed the trade and described it as MacFarland's first deal with Nashville.
Predators Add Middle-Six Forward Depth
Colton, 29, gives Nashville an experienced forward with postseason mileage. The Predators said he had 24 points, nine goals and 15 assists, a plus-9 rating and 153 shots in 73 games for Colorado in 2025-26.
The official release also credited Colton with 159 hits, third on the Avalanche, and listed him at 6 feet and 194 pounds. He has scored 89 goals across six NHL seasons and reached a career high with 40 points for Colorado in 2023-24.
MacFarland's stated rationale was straightforward: Nashville wanted a versatile two-way winger who can bring more bite to its middle six. Colton has played in the Stanley Cup playoffs in each of his six NHL seasons and has 28 postseason points in 75 playoff games.
Posch Joins Nashville's Goalie Pipeline
Posch, a young goaltender from Umea, Sweden, spent parts of the past two seasons with the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche's AHL affiliate. Nashville said he went 15-8-4 with two shutouts, a 2.78 goals-against average and a .891 save percentage in 2025-26.
Posch was also named to the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic for the Pacific Division. Chrona, the goalie moving to Colorado, was included with the two third-round picks as the outgoing package from Nashville.
The trade gives the Predators an NHL-ready forward, another young goalie option and a clean early marker for MacFarland's front office. The cost is draft capital and Chrona, but the roster purpose is clear before the 2026 NHL Draft: Nashville wanted more proven depth now.