Time is a curious thing — three years can feel like a decade, and at the same time, like yesterday. Something similar is happening in Denver, as the Colorado Avalanche welcome captain Gabriel Landeskog back ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. While his status for Game 1 against the Dallas Stars remains unannounced, star forward Nathan MacKinnon made a key admission about his longtime teammate’s form following Landeskog’s first NHL practice after a conditioning stint in the AHL.
Landeskog hasn’t appeared in an NHL game since June 26, 2022, during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, when the Avalanche hoisted their third championship in franchise history.
It’s been an uphill battle for Landeskog ever since, as he has endured knee cartilage replacement surgery—a procedure often considered career-ending. However, the veteran captain for Mile High City’s franchise has showcased remarkable resiliency, coming out on top and preparing to return to the ice on the sport’s biggest stage: the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Having witnessed Landeskog’s journey firsthand, MacKinnon and the Avalanche are eager to officially welcome him back to the lineup when they take on the Dallas Stars in the first round of the NHL postseason.
Nathan MacKinnon #29 of Canada takes questions during media day ahead of the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off at the Bell Centre on February 11, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Naturally, some early struggles are to be expected for Landeskog, who has only played in two AHL games following an absence of over two years. Regardless, MacKinnon made something clear about his captain’s return.
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“It doesn’t mean anything, he’s Gabe Landeskog at the end of the day,” Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon firmly stated, per DNVR Avalanche on X. “Obviously, there’s going to be some rust, three years is a crazy amount of time off. He hasn’t really been practicing that much, either.
“We’ve just been so busy, there’s been no practice which is too bad for him. But, I think he looks great. You can still see those instincts [in game situations] are there. He’s still got it, for sure.”
Landeskog’s self assessment
Following his two-game stint with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles, the 32-year-old forward made an honest evaluation about his performance during his first outings after a three-year inactivity.
“In terms of timing, touches, and things like that, [I am] not anywhere near to where I wanted to be, but I think it’s a good step in the right direction,” Landeskog admitted. “Just a different feeling [in the second game], being able to get into that flow state, stay in the moment.”
Gabriel Landeskog #92 of the Colorado Avalanche lifts the Stanley Cup after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in Game Six of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 26, 2022 in Tampa, Florida.
After being kept off the scoresheet in his first game back, Landeskog registered a goal and an assist during his second outing with the Eagles, leading the team to a 4-3 shootout victory over the Henderson Silver Knights. MacKinnon chimed in and offered his two cents on his captain’s performance in the AHL.
“I thought every shift he looked better. I thought Game two he looked a lot better as well,” MacKinnon said. “He almost played 20 minutes or something like that, so yeah, he’s in a good spot. Hopefully he can keep progressing and we’ll have him back here this weekend.“
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Though no official announcement has been made on Landeskog’s status during the Dallas-Colorado series, head coach Jared Bednar hinted at the captain’s return with a firm message.
According to Guerrilla Sports, Bednar and the Avalanche are hopeful they’ll feature a fully-healthy lineup, including Landeskog during Game 1 against the Stars.
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The Avs and Stars will meet in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second time in a row, as Dallas eliminated Colorado in last season’s second round meeting. This time around, MacKinnon and Bednar will have an ace under their sleeves, as Captain Landeskog is expected to provide a huge morale boost upon his return to the rink.
