Colorado Avalanche searching for “glue” of Leadership

The Colorado Avalanche had a rough final two games before heading to Seattle to take on the Kraken for the final time in the 2023-2024 regular season. A loss in the last 60 seconds of the 3rd period to the Kraken at Ball Arena, followed by a mind-numbing loss to the St. Louis Blues left many questions unanswered. By far the largest looming question was, “Where is the accountability and leadership of this team?” Gabriel Landeskog is the captain, yes; but it is time for the Colorado Avalanche players, coaches, and us as fans to start being a bit more realistic if this team is to succeed.

Last season, we all saw Landeskog dressed and out on the ice on opening night with the team as they raised their Stanley Cup Champions banner into the rafters at Ball Arena. That was the last time we’ve seen #92 in uniform and on the ice in any formal capacity for the Colorado Avalanche. Throughout much of the season, the question remained of when, not if, we would see Landeskog back on the ice. He was always around the team, at practice, in the team suite during games, always immediately available for media, and present in team meetings. The captain continued his duties as captain off-ice.

This season has been a completely different story. Landeskog has been going through his rehab and recovery process in Toronto so that his wife could be closer to her family during the season. Surely, Landeskog and his immediate family have a home here close to Denver for NHL season-related reasons, but if you aren’t going to be participating in the regular season at all, it doesn’t make much sense to remain in town. After all, the Avs performed well on ice without Landeskog last year with him only being an off-ice presence. It only seems natural that the Avs allow Landeskog to step away from the team to focus solely on his recovery, wife, and two kids. Family sacrifices a lot for professional athletes.

Now, the Colorado Avalanche have to address the elephant in the room after starting the season 6-0-0 and now sitting at 9-5-0, with only three wins in their last eight games. Massive shakeups in lineup structures, players attempting to do more than necessary, and frustrations among players, coaches, and fans have led to many questions. But what the Avs truly need is new player leadership. A new on-ice captain. Yes, yes, I am aware this may ruffle the feathers of more than a few fans, but accountability and a voice of reasoning need to be made present. After all, Landeskog may never truly return to form, or play again at all. Knee cartilage replacement is unheard of.

It is clear that the Swedish Captain’s presence is missed dearly, but the Avs need some new glue to keep this team from continuing to fracture. A calm, fair, and passionate individual. A clear voice of reason. I don’t want to see the “C” passed to anyone honestly, as it could send undesired signals across the league. But behind the scenes, the Avs need to start grooming the next captain. Just in case the worst-case scenario happens. Who the best person for the position is, I can’t say. Whoever it may be, is inheriting a legacy position with the Colorado Avalanche. It will shape their entire career as an Avalanche, especially with the Legend himself, Joe Sakic, in the front office.

The one chosen for this job; this person has to be the glue. The best bonding material possible if the Avs want to escape the early narrative. The rest of the league isn’t going to hand you a title. The narrative has changed. Analysts across the NHL expect greatness from the Avalanche; they are no longer dismissing them as an underdog. The Avs are THE DOG in the Central. Now they need a leader to get them there.