The biggest grin on the Avalanche belongs to newcomer Ross Colton.

Just watch the next time Colorado’s third line center scores a goal or celebrates the success of others. Co l ton ’s t rademark smile, with gold chains swinging from his neck, is usually preceded by screams of gratitude for teammates. The 6-foot, 194-pound forward wears his emotions out loud anytime he’s on the ice.

“I like to score, and I like to win,” Colton said. “Whoever is contributing, we’re always positive, whether it’s on the bench or on the ice. Hugging guys, seeing them get rewarded for their hard work. Just trying to be positive no matter what the situation is.

“I do get a little excited when guys are scoring.”

It has coincided with a surge in play. Colton entered Saturday’s road test at the Dallas Stars with three goals over his past five games. His style is familiar to linemate Logan O’Connor; fast and physical. They’ve paired well with bulldozer Miles Wood as the team’s most consistent unit in recent games.

Teammates and coaches appreciate the fire that Colton brings to the roster. It’s one reason why the Avalanche signed him to a four-year contract this summer after four seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“He plays the game with passion, emotion and physicality,” coach Jared Bednar said.

“(Colton and O’Connor) are in it to win it. They’re not easy to play against. They make it tough on you every chance they get.”

Forward Jonathan Drouin’s locker is beside Colton’s in the team’s game day dressing room at Ball Arena.

“I actually like sitting beside him,” Drouin said. “Even in the room he’s got energy, whether we’re watching TV or doing something (else). He’s high tempo.”

Forward Fredrik Olofsson added, “When anyone scores, you see how emotional Ross gets and his expressions. You definitely get fired up. You feed off it.”

Colton grew up in New Jersey.

He brings a championship pedigree from Tampa Bay with the mindset to bring another title to Colorado. Colton recently eclipsed 200 games played in the NHL with still room for improvement in his game.

He’s already collected one assist and five goals this season.

You can bet the next high points will be punctuated by huge smiles.

“Everyone is playing fast and buying into the system,” Colton said.

“We have guys that can obviously score.

“But it doesn’t always need to be a 6-1 game. If we win a game 2-1 that’s always great, too.”