The Colorado Avalanche will soon welcome back a key piece of their championship puzzle just in time for the Stanley Cup playoffs—team’s Beloved star
He hasn’t played an NHL game since lifting the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche on June 26, 2022. Since then, he’s endured a long recovery journey, including multiple surgeries on his right knee, the most significant being a cartilage transplant. After nearly two years of rehab, he recently returned to the ice in two AHL games on a conditioning assignment.
Now, head coach Jared Bednar says there’s a real chance he could suit up for Round 1 of the playoffs against the Dallas Stars.
“He’s getting close. Every day, he looks a bit faster, a bit more confident,” Bednar said on April 18. “He’s definitely an option for this series.”
Gabriel Landeskog.’s return would provide a massive emotional and tactical boost for Colorado. He’s in the fourth season of an eight-year, $56 million contract and last played a full NHL season in 2021–22, when he tallied 30 goals and 29 assists for 59 points in just 51 games.
Cale Makar, Colorado’s star defenseman, spoke highly of Landeskog’s importance, praising both his leadership and determination to return.
“It’s awesome having him back around the group. He’s been through a lot, so seeing him on the ice again is inspiring,” Makar said. “He’s such a key part of this team, and getting him back would be a big moment.”
The 2011 second-overall pick, Landeskog is a one-time NHL All-Star and one of the driving forces behind Colorado’s 2022 title run.
After completing his AHL rehab stint, Landeskog said he felt physically strong despite being a bit rusty after his long layoff.
“Physically, I feel great,” Landeskog shared. “It’s been a long time, and there are still things I need to improve, but it felt great to be out there again.”
He admitted to feeling a bit nervous before his first game back and joked about struggling to remember his pregame routine. Despite that, he’s staying grounded and taking his return one step at a time.
“I’ve always tried to stay present and live in the moment,” he said. “I feel good today, and if I feel good tomorrow, I’ll keep working and see where it leads.”
The Avalanche begin their playoff series against the Dallas Stars on April 19, and all eyes will be on whether their captain returns to the ice at just the right time.
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