There were plenty who wrote off Gabriel Landeskog. After all, the horrific knee injury he sustained would have ended just about anyone’s career. But the Colorado Avalanche weren’t about to give up on their captain.
He missed three seasons, making his return in the 2025 NHL playoffs.
Last season, he played in 60 games, his first season since playing 51 during the 2021-22 campaign. And, well, his 14 goals and 35 points weren’t overly impressive.
But this season, it seems that Landeskog is finally fully healthy. He’s played in 19 games and has looked every bit the part that made him the heart and soul of the Avalanche.
It’s been his offense, nonetheless, that has become a welcome boost for Colorado. Landeskog has scored seven goals and added 12 points. He’s doing that in about 14 minutes of ice time per night.
Perhaps one of the best examples of Landeskog’s influence was on Tuesday night in Toronto. He scored two goals on the night. But it was the go-ahead goal he scored moments after the Maple Leafs had scored the equalizer. While the goal itself was fantastic, it was the timing that essentially made the goal a backbreaker. It took the steam out of the Leafs, and it paved the way for a 6-3 Colorado win.
Gabriel Landeskog on a 30-goal pace
Seven goals in 19 games may not seem like much to talk about. But it’s a quiet 30-goal pace.
That’s something that the Avalanche could really use at this point. Considering that the offense hasn’t always been firing on all cylinders, having Gabriel Landeskog pick up the slack is certainly something worth keeping an eye on.
His play over the last couple of weeks has prompted coach Jared Bednar to move him up to the second line with Nazem Kadri and Nic Roy. The unit has been working very well and could stick there for the rest of the season.
That’s why Landeskog’s offensive resurgence this season could not have come at a better time. The team desperately needs depth scoring, and it’s getting it from Landeskog, Kadri, and even Jaden Schwartz.
As it stands, the Avalanche need to find consistency. The back-to-back wins this week have helped. And it’s been Landeskog who’s spurred the team forward when needed. That leadership hasn’t always been on the scoresheet.
That’s why the Avalanche were right to believe in their captain. They waited for him, and now his return to form has paid off handsomely for the organization.
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