Every hockey fan has kept up with Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog’s journey back from a knee injury that kept him out for multiple years. Last postseason, he made his official return to the team by playing in multiple games.
By definition, the Bill Masterton award is awarded to the player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.“
If that doesn’t scream Landeskog, they may as well get rid of the award or provide different qualifications for it.
The Colorado chapter of the @ThePHWA has nominated #Avs captain Gabe Landeskog for the Masterton Trophy in 2026. It is given annually to “the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.” pic.twitter.com/jZSEKsuU1W
— Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) April 8, 2026
Landeskog’s journey back to the Avalanche was never easy—neither physically or emotionally. It’s inspirational that he never gave up his dream of returning one day. For most people, the injury in which he suffered would have ended their career.
Landeskog is respected by everyone across the entire NHL. At the time he was officially named captain of the Avalanche, he was the youngest player in league history to do so. His leadership has been evident for so long, and the Avalanche just seem to play better when he is on the ice.
That’s a combination of leadership and his own hockey talent. He isn’t just a voice in the locker room. He is a voice on the ice and a pretty darn good hockey player, too.
Last year, Landeskog could have won the award, but with the tragedy that struck the Columbus Blue Jackets and the rest of the NHL regarding the Gaudreau brothers, the choice to go away from Landeskog in that decision made a ton of sense.
Now, there are not many reasons for the award to go to someone else. Landeskog has been through a lot of adversity. Even though he’s made a full comeback this season, he has still dealt with several other injuries. He has missed 21 games this year for multiple injuries—one of which even required surgery.
That’s not to say that no other player is deserving, though. Every nominee is deserving. I just think that, after missing three full seasons, and then returning without ice time limitations due to his knee, are great reasons why Landeskog is deserving of the award.
It would be extremely disappointing if it doesn’t go to him. It would be shocking. The voters have to do right by Landeskog and award him.