It’s been over 1,000 days since Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog last laced up for an NHL game, but a long-awaited return may finally be near.
The 32-year-old forward, who initially underwent arthroscopic knee surgery following the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup victory, was expected to miss just 12 weeks. Instead, the recovery kept him out for the entire 2022 season. Complications continued when, just a month after the first surgery, he required a cartilage transplant in his other knee—ultimately sidelining him through the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Now, after completing a conditioning stint with the Colorado Eagles, the team’s AHL affiliate, Landeskog is on the verge of making a comeback. Head coach Jared Bednar confirmed Friday that the Avalanche captain is a potential option for their upcoming Stanley Cup playoff series against the Dallas Stars.
“He’s close, he’s getting close,” Bednar said. “Each day he looks quicker, more confident, more sure of himself. He’ll be an option for us in this series.”
Before the injuries, Landeskog was one of Colorado’s most consistent producers, notching two 30-goal seasons and seven 50-point campaigns between 2013 and 2021. He was also a key contributor in the postseason, racking up double-digit points in three consecutive playoff runs. During the Avalanche’s 2021-22 championship push, Landeskog scored 11 goals and 22 points in 20 games, second only to Nathan MacKinnon.
His return could be a major boost for an Avalanche team that’s struggled with offensive depth. With Mikko Rantanen traded midseason to the Carolina Hurricanes, and only MacKinnon (116 points) and Cale Makar (92 points) surpassing the 50-point mark, Colorado has leaned heavily on its top stars. Landeskog’s presence could help balance the attack against a potent Dallas team.
