NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — Gabriel Landeskog may not be ready for the beginning of the regular season, but there is a chance he could return to uniform for the Colorado Avalanche shortly thereafter.
The 31-year-old forward, who serves as the team captain, has missed the last two seasons due to an injury to his right knee.
“He’s aiming to make his comeback around the start of the season, and if all goes well, it would be a tremendous boost for us,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar mentioned on Saturday during the 2024-25 South Carolina Stingrays Fan Fest at North Charleston Coliseum. ”This is something we’re all a bit anxious about, but equally excited for. He hasn’t suited up for us in two years.”
Bednar, who played and coached with the ECHL’s Stingrays from 1995 to 2009 and resides in Charleston during the offseason, emphasized that no specific timeline has been set for Landeskog’s return. However, he noted that Landeskog has been skating “a handful of times a week” this offseason. The last time Landeskog played was on June 26, 2022, when he contributed an assist to help Colorado secure the Stanley Cup with a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 of the Cup Final.
After undergoing quadriceps surgery during the 2020 postseason, Landeskog had knee surgeries in March 2022 and October 2022, followed by cartilage replacement surgery on May 10, 2023. He started skating again last season, and Bednar stated in March that Landeskog might return during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, depending on how deep the Avalanche progressed.
That scenario faded when Colorado was eliminated by the Dallas Stars in six games during the Western Conference Second Round, yet Landeskog remained hopeful. On May 23, he expressed his intention to play this season, providing a broad timeframe of “between mid-September and the start of April.”
Bednar expressed heightened optimism that Landeskog could play within the first month or two of the season, although the final timing is left to him.
“It’s all about when he feels ready to ramp up and take the next step,” Bednar stated. ”It’s been quite a long journey, so there’s no need to rush. It’s all about his comfort level. … What he has accomplished in the gym with his training off the ice and on the ice has us feeling quite hopeful about his return.”
Drafted as the No. 2 pick by Colorado in the 2011 NHL Draft, Landeskog has accumulated 571 points (248 goals, 323 assists) over 738 regular-season games, achieving at least 25 goals four times, including a tally of 30 in just 51 games in the 2021-22 season. He has also recorded 67 points (27 goals, 40 assists) across 69 playoff games.
His comeback could significantly benefit the Avalanche, who will also start the season missing forward Valeri Nichushkin and perhaps forward Artturi Lehkonen. Nichushkin is suspended until at least November after being placed in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHL Players’ Association Player Assistance Program on May 13. Lehkonen is currently recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
Bednar added that forward Logan O’Connor, who is healing from season-ending hip surgery, is expected to be ready for the season opener but referred to Lehkonen as “a question mark.”
“It will be intriguing at the start of the year since we could be missing three very talented players, but that remains to be seen,” Bednar remarked. “However, this may open the door for some younger players. There are several who are close to joining our team.”
Gabriel Landeskog’s Potential Return Offers Hope for Colorado Avalanche as Season Approaches
Overview of Gabriel Landeskog’s Impact
Gabriel Landeskog, the captain of the Colorado Avalanche, is a key player whose presence on the ice can significantly influence the team’s performance. Known for his leadership qualities and remarkable skills, Landeskog has consistently been a driving force for the Avalanche. As the team gears up for the new season, the prospect of his return from injury brings renewed hope and excitement to both fans and players alike.
Analyzing Gabriel Landeskog’s Previous Seasons
Before diving into his potential return, it’s essential to reflect on Landeskog’s contributions in previous seasons. Here’s a quick look at his statistics over the last few seasons:
| Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 54 | 20 | 32 | 52 |
| 2021-2022 | 51 | 30 | 29 | 59 |
| 2022-2023 | 0 (Injury) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Injury Status and Recovery Timeline
Landeskog underwent knee surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2022-2023 season. While this news was disappointing for the Avalanche, recent updates from the coaching staff indicate positive signs regarding his recovery. Here’s a brief overview of his injury status and recovery timeline:
- Surgery Date: April 2022
- Projected Return: Preseason 2023
- Current Status: Engaged in off-ice training and on-ice practice
Benefits of Gabriel Landeskog’s Return
The return of Gabriel Landeskog would be a game-changer for the Colorado Avalanche. Here are some of the key benefits his presence would bring:
1. Leadership on the Ice
As the captain, Landeskog leads by example. His work ethic and tenacity can inspire younger players and reinforce team cohesion.
2. Offensive Power
Landeskog’s ability to score goals and create assists makes him an essential part of the Avalanche’s offensive strategy. His past performances underline his importance in high-pressure situations.
3. Defensive Prowess
Beyond scoring, Landeskog is known for his two-way play, effectively contributing to the Avalanche’s defensive strategies.
4. Mentorship for Young Players
His experience can be invaluable for younger players, helping them develop and adapt to the high demands of professional hockey.
Practical Tips for Fans Awaiting Landeskog’s Return
While waiting for Landeskog’s return, fans can take several steps to stay engaged and support the team:
- Stay Updated: Follow official Avalanche social media channels for the latest updates on Landeskog’s recovery.
- Engage with the Community: Join fan forums or local gatherings to discuss the team’s prospects and share excitement over Landeskog’s potential return.
- Attend Games: Show your support by attending home games, creating an electric atmosphere that players thrive on.
- Merchandise: Supporting the team through merchandise, especially with Landeskog’s name, can help foster community spirit.
What Experts are Saying
Experts and analysts are optimistic about Landeskog’s return, citing his importance to the franchise. According to a recent article on ESPN, “Landeskog’s return could be the missing piece for the Avalanche to reclaim their position as a Stanley Cup contender.”
Case Study: Previous Comebacks
Looking at previous cases of players who returned from significant injuries can provide insight into what Landeskog might experience. For instance:
– **Sidney Crosby**: After a lengthy recovery from concussions, Crosby returned to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to multiple Cup victories.
– **Patrick Kane**: Kane’s comeback from a shoulder injury saw him regain his scoring touch, contributing to the Chicago Blackhawks’ success.
Both players proved that major injuries can lead to memorable returns, often elevating their teams in the process.
Fan Reactions and Anticipation
Fans have expressed their anticipation for Landeskog’s return through social media platforms and fan forums. Here are some common themes:
– **Excitement about Leadership**: Many fans believe that Landeskog’s leadership is crucial for the team’s morale.
– **Optimism for Championship Run**: There is a prevailing belief that with Landeskog back, the Avalanche could be serious contenders for the Stanley Cup.
– **Support for His Recovery Journey**: Fans have shared heartfelt messages of support, underscoring the strong bond between the team and its supporters.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead for the Avalanche
As the Colorado Avalanche prepares for the upcoming season, Gabriel Landeskog’s potential return stands as a beacon of hope. His combination of leadership, skill, and experience could propel the team to new heights. With fans eagerly awaiting updates, the excitement surrounding Landeskog’s comeback continues to grow, setting the stage for what could be an unforgettable season.
