Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog confirmed something that everyone suspected all along.
Landeskog returned to the Avalanche lineup on Sunday, scoring a goal. Landeskog had been out of the lineup after being the victim of friendly fire.
While the shot in the breadbasket was bad enough, Landeskog confirmed the nature of another injury he sustained earlier this season.
Corey Masisak of the Denver Post quoted Landeskog, who made it known that he had suffered broken ribs in the spill he sustained on January 3 against the Florida Panthers.
#Avs captain Gabe Landeskog said he “had a quick surgery to fix some things” after taking a shot from Cale Makar, well … “in the nuts.”
— Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) March 22, 2026
Also confirmed that he had broken ribs earlier this year after crashing into the net in South Florida.
Landeskog crashed into the net, with the post catching Landeskog flush in the abdomen. He missed every game leading up to the Olympics. The Swedish star returned to the ice at the Milano-Cortina Games to captain his country’s side.
The suspicion was that Landeskog had suffered broken ribs in the spill against the Panthers, but neither Landeskog nor the club had confirmed that situation until now.
It’s been a tough season for the Avalanche captain. After enduring the tough upper-body injury, the friendly fire led to the 33-year-old undergoing a minor surgical procedure.
Avs fans hope that this will be the last time Landeskog suffers an injury at the hands of teammate Cale Makar.
Landeskog crucial to Avalanche’s postseason success
There is no question that Landeskog will be crucial to the Avalanche’s postseason success. Beyond his evident contributions on the ice, his leadership is undoubtedly a major part of the team’s success.
Since Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup victory, his absence has loomed large in the Avalanche’s playoff appearances.
Last season, his return for Game 3 of the Avalanche’s first-round series against Dallas was enormous. It was a major turning point for the club. Most importantly, his contributions made the series as close as it was.
That said, this season will be much different. Landeskog will hopefully suit up for Game 1. And that could be the difference between another tough first-round exit and a prolonged playoff run.
This year’s playoff run could be one for the ages in Colorado. That’s why it’s crucial to have the Avalanche captain on the ice. Hopefully, this season ends with Landeskog lifting the cup for the second time in his career.