Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog could be back on the ice early into the new season.
Landeskog has not played since hoisting the Stanley Cup in June 2022 due to a right knee injury.
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar appeared optimistic about Landeskog’s return while speaking at the 2024-25 South Carolina Stingrays Fan Fest at North Charleston Coliseum on Saturday.
“He’s trying to make a return here sometime near the start of the season and if that goes well, it would be a really big boost for us,” Bednar said, according to Tom Gulitti of NHL.com. “So, that’s something we’re all a little anxious about, but really excited about as well. He hasn’t played for us in two years.”
Landeskog recorded 22 points (11 goals and 11 assists) in 20 games during the 2022 playoffs to help the Avalanche capture their third Stanley Cup title in franchise history. He also had 59 points (30 goals and 29 assists) in 51 games during the regular season.
The 31-year-old Landeskog, who has served as the team’s captain since 2012, underwent cartilage replacement surgery last year and skated with the team during practices this past season before they were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs against the Dallas Stars.
Avalanche superstar and reigning Hart Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon said in June that the team misses Landeskog a ton.
“He’s our captain. The year we won, he was an animal out there,” MacKinnon said. “I know he’s rehabbing and he’s got great people around him giving him good information. Just hoping and praying that he comes back next season. We miss him on the ice, off the ice. It’s tough to win without a guy like that.”
Landeskog was drafted in the first round, second overall, by the Avalanche in 2011. The Stockholm native has registered 571 points (248 goals and 323 assists) in 738 career games over 11 seasons.
He was named captain on Sept. 4, 2012, becoming the youngest captain in NHL history at the time at 19 years and 286 days.
The Colorado Avalanche received some positive news regarding their captain, Gabriel Landeskog, as he nears a potential return to the lineup at the start of the upcoming season. Landeskog, who suffered a lower-body injury towards the end of last season, has been progressing well in his recovery and is on track to be back on the ice for the Avalanche in the near future.
Head coach Jared Bednar provided an update on Landeskog’s status, stating that the forward has been working hard in his rehabilitation and is close to being cleared for full contact practices. Bednar expressed optimism that Landeskog could be ready to play in games early in the season, which is great news for the Avalanche as they look to build on their successful campaign last year.
Landeskog’s return will be a significant boost for the Avalanche, as he is not only a key contributor on the ice but also serves as a leader in the locker room. His presence will provide a much-needed veteran presence for a team that is looking to make a deep playoff run this season.
Fans of the Avalanche will be eagerly anticipating Landeskog’s return, as he brings a unique combination of skill, grit, and leadership to the team. His return will add another dimension to an already talented roster and should help the Avalanche compete with the best teams in the league.
As Landeskog continues to progress in his recovery, all signs point to him being back in action for the Avalanche at the start of the season. His return will be a welcome sight for both players and fans alike, as they look to make a strong push towards a Stanley Cup championship.