Gabriel Landeskog injury update: Avs HC drops major update on captain's return

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Aug 17, 2024 21:52 GMT

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog is poised to make a return to the ice this upcoming season, per the Avs coach Jared Bednar. Landeskog has not played since the team's Stanley Cup title win in 2021-22.

"He's trying to make a return here sometime near the start of the season and if that goes well, it would be a really big boost for us," Bednar said on Saturday (via NHL.com).

Bednar talked about Landeskog while attending the 2024-25 South Carolina Stingrays Fan Fest at North Charleston Coliseum. Bednar has close ties to the community after spending 15 years as the Stingrays' head coach.

"So, that's something we're all a little anxious about, but really excited about as well. He hasn't played for us in two years," Bednar added.

The news is encouraging after Gabriel Landeskog has been making strides toward a return. While there is no clear timeline for the Avalanche captain's return, Bednar confirmed that Landeskog has been hitting the ice "a handful of times a week."

The last time Landeskog suited up for the Avs was in Game 6 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lighting. Landeskog registered an assist en route to a 2-1 win that sealed the Cup for Colorado.

The Avs have been playing without their captain for the last two seasons. Last year, the Avs made it to the second round of the playoffs, where they lost to the Dallas Stars.

Gabriel Landeskog has not given up hope

Landeskog has not played in two seasons due to a major knee injury that required cartilage transplant surgery. The procedure, while successful, has required extensive recovery and rehab.

But amid the severity of the situation, Landeskog remains optimistic about a return. That optimism has led the Colorado Avalanche to refrain from naming a new captain in Landeskog's absence.

While there is no set date for Landeskog's return, coach Bednar has made it clear that it's up to Landeskog when he returns.

"It's just when he feels well enough to sort of keep ramping up and taking the next step," Bednar said (via NHL.com). "It's been a long time now, so there's no rush. It's just all with what he's feeling comfortable with. … Just what he's been able to do both in the gym with his training off the ice and what he's been able to do on the ice, we're certainly optimistic that he'll be able to come back."

The Avs could certainly use their captain in the lineup. The team will be without Valeri Nichushkin, who is suspended until November. Meanwhile, the club will start the season without Artturi Lehkonen, who is out after a shoulder surgery.

The Avs will be looking to improve upon last year's success, potentially returning to the Stanley Cup Final after a two-year absence.