Gabriel Landeskog named Captain 10 years ago today

Oh Captain, My Captain! It’s a phrase the fans of the Colorado Avalanche associate with Gabriel Landeskog anytime he scores or lays a big hit on an opposing player. It was 10 years ago to the day that Landy was given the title, and honor, of becoming the youngest player to wear the “C” in Colorado Avalanche history. Not only that, but according to the official news release from the team, he also become the youngest player in not only Avs history but the NHL at the time to be named captain.

Quote from the official release at NHL.com:

“According to available research, at 19 years, 286 days, Landeskog is the youngest captain in NHL history. He is 11 days younger than Sidney Crosby, who was 19 years, 297 days when he was named captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins on May 31, 2007.”

But how did it all come about, and why would the Avalanche let such a young man take up such a high leadership position? That story starts with Milan Hejduk. On November 14th, 2011, Hejduk was named the third Captain in franchise history after Adam Foote retired at the end of the prior season. It was regarded as an odd choice only because the team waited so long to make the announcement instead of prior to the start of the 2011-2012 season, but on the other hand, the move made sense as he was the longest-tenured player with the organization.

That season would not be great statistically for Milan, however, and on September 4th, 2012, Hejduk would pass the torch, making him the shortest tenured captain in franchise history.

Gabriel Landeskog on the other hand currently sits as the second longest-running captain in club history. Of course, the overall title belongs to Joe Sakic who wore the “C” for a total of 13 seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, and four with the Quebec Nordiques.

Given that Landy will only be turning 30 years old this season, there’s a chance we see him become the longest player to serve as Captain someday. Of course, only time will tell.