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Has Ross Colton’s Move to the Top Line Been Successful?

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Ross Colton has one point in his last five games, having played on different lines with different teammates. Head coach Jared Bednar moved the versatile forward up to the top line for the last two games, but it’s not certain if he will spend more time there.



Colton succeeded with Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen at the beginning of the season before suffering a broken foot, which sidelined him for over a month. Bednar tried to reignite a spark with that combination but has yet to see one.

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“He’s been gritty. He’s been a hound on the forecheck, he goes to the net hard. He’s making good puck decisions and making plays in all three zones. He’s using his skating … he can provide something to that line,” Bednar said.

The 28-year-old has played all over the lineup and adapted to different lines and positions. It’s not an ideal situation but it has been necessary with key players out for several games. However, he joked that I could throw on skates and put up points playing with MacKinnon and Rantanen.

“They’re obviously two amazing players, and they do a good job whoever they’re with (to) create some stuff. We had some good chances last two games. Obviously, we didn’t put any home, but could have had a few in both of them …,” Colton said. “We just got to do a better job, form some chemistry with these lines. I think every game we’ve had different combinations, and it’s kind of getting frustrating. But yeah, what are you gonna do?”

While Bednar admits he hasn’t “loved that line,” it just takes one solid game to get the fire started. He didn’t confirm line changes but said “we’ll see about tonight” against the Winnipeg Jets.

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