Though Gabriel Landeskog hasn’t made his return to the NHL yet, the Colorado Avalanche captain has appeared in two games with affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. After registering a goal and an assist in his second game in the AHL, the Stanley Cup winning veteran issued an honest confession for his coaches and teammates back in the first team.
Landeskog put on the pads and skates for a professional game on April 11, 2025, for the first time since hositing the Stanley Cup on June 26, 2022. Nearly three years had passed, but Landeskog ultimately defied the odds and overcame a severe knee injury that required knee cartilage replacement surgery.
After finding his footing and settling in, the Avs’ captain made a huge impact in his second game with the Eagles, scoring the game-tying goal with less than four minutes remaining in the final frame against the Henderson Silver Knights. The Eagles would go on to win 4-3 in a shootout, but that wasn’t the main story—Landeskog took the spotlight
Following the win, Landeskog addressed the media with a sincere statement about his performances since returning from injury. Through his comments, he made it clear to Avs head coach Jared Bednar and his teammates that he’s fully focused on leading the team to a deep playoff run.
Gabriel Landeskog #92 of the Colorado Avalanche gets emotional following victory following the series winning victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Six of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 26, 2022 in Tampa, Florida.
“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 said, via DNVR Avalanche on X.
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Being in the zone
The long-awaited return took place at Blue Arena, though the emotional aspect of the comeback got the better of Landeskog, who finished his first game without registering a point.
Oftentimes, people believe there’s no such thing as players zoning out and entering a flow state of mind, where they don’t think as much and simply act based on instincts and repetition. However, Landeskog disagrees and made it clear after the Eagles’ win over the Silver Knights.
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.
“[During the first game] it was hard for me to focus on my game, obviously it was my first in a long time. I was excited to get back out here and get another crack at it. Just a different feeling [in the second game], being able to get into that flow state, stay in the moment.“
Confirmed opponent
The Avalanche will meet with the Dallas Stars in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the latter securing home-ice advantage. Thus, the Avs, and hopefully Landeskog, will start their journey in hopes of the franchise’s fourth championship in Dallas.
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The Stars eliminated the Avalanche during the 2023-24 postseason, defeating Colorado in six games in their second-round meeting. Eager for revenge, the Avalanche will look to get past their Central Division rivals. Perhaps Landeskog’s return is the difference that pushes Colorado past Dallas.
