Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche might be one of the most underrated captains in the NHL.
Saying Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog is underrated is a strong statement to make. However, every time I see a post where someone wants to replace him as captain or trade him all together I can’t help but think how good he’s been for the Avalanche.
We all remember the little bit of division that existed amongst the fans back in 2012. He either lacked experience or he was the most obvious choice to succeed an iconic player like Milan Hejduk.
When later asked about the moment he was called to the Pepsi Center for a meeting with then-coach Joe Sacco, Landeskog replied that he didn’t know what to expect from the meeting, but it wasn’t to be asked to fill the role of captain. And what a shock it must have been to have just finished his rookie year and be placed in a leadership position such as this one. But looking back it was a good decision.
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Gabe has been a stable presence in a room that has seen a revolving door of coaches. He has shown leadership on the ice, playing on both his line and special teams, drawing penalties to help create chances, and even occasionally throwing a punch to get the team (and fans) fired up.
And while his numbers may not be the highest every season, he’s a playmaker. Landeskog can always be counted on to sacrifice his own stats for the team to succeed. He’s not out there searching for personal glory. He’s looking to push this team into the playoffs. He is constantly down where the play is, screening or digging deep. These things don’t always show when you look at the numbers on a page, but sometimes heart is more important.
He can be seen mentoring younger players in any way helps them improve both on and off the ice. We have all enjoyed the clips of him competing with other players at practice, just like we’ve been amused every time he has to show Mikko how to tie a tie.
Our captain has stayed late, come in early, helped other players move, and was the ear a lot of them have needed. And while we don’t always hear the specifics about what goes on behind closed doors when the media isn’t present, we keep hearing about the energy and force he is in that room. Gabe is there for his teammates, new and returners alike.
Think back to early 2017 when his name was floating with the different trade rumors. And remember what he said when he was asked about them? Even when things seemed to be at their worst, he wanted to “be an Avalanche, stay an Avalanche for a very long time.”
Landeskog wanted to rebuild the Colorado Avalanche. He wanted to right the ship. He could have requested a trade, or had his agent float the idea that he was interested in moving somewhere with better chances at the Cup. But no, he actively said in interview after interview that he wanted to be right where he was. He wasn’t going anywhere if he could help it.
Joe Sakic, Adam Foote, Milan Hejduk, Gabriel Landeskog. Four captains that have lead this team, molded this team, served this team. And personally, I am looking forward to being there the day his number is raised to join the others in the rafters of the Pepsi Center.
I’ll leave you with a quote from his predecessor, Milan Hejduk: “I believe he’s going to be here for a long time and he’s going to be captain for a long, long time. I feel really comfortable about this.”