Gabriel Landeskog, the Colorado Avalanche captain, is suddenly the center of attention as the team prepares for its first-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars. Landeskog, who has not played an NHL game since June due to a severe knee injury and subsequent surgeries, recently completed a two-game conditioning stint in the AHL, recording a goal and an assist—his first minor-league action in his 12-year pro career.
Despite this progress, Landeskog remains on long-term injured reserve, and Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar has yet to confirm if he will be activated for Game. Bednar described Landeskog as “an option” for the series, noting that the captain is getting “a bit faster, more confident, and more self-assured” each day. However, Landeskog has been skating with the projected scratches at practice, casting doubt on his immediate return to the lineup.
Landeskog’s absence has been felt since the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup victory, and his potential return could provide a significant boost as the team seeks another deep playoff run. For now, fans are left waiting to see if the captain’s comeback story will continue on NHL ice this weekend.
