Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog will be a sight for sore eyes at training camp this fall. This season will mark the first time in three years the Avs will have their captain hit the ice for training camp.
Landeskog overcame a gruesome, excruciating knee injury to make a triumphant return during last spring’s playoffs. While the playoffs ended unexpectedly, the desire to win is stronger than ever.
NHL.com quoted Landeskog on Wednesday, stating:
“Really excited to just have an offseason in the bank now and going into training camp as if I’m just anybody else on the team. It's nice to just come to work and try to play as well as I can to help the team win, right?"
That’s the plan, to help the team win. Landeskog played a crucial role in pushing the Dallas Stars to seven games during their first-round series in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs. Most importantly, he answered a critical question regarding his ability to play again.
Landeskog added:
“I think the biggest change was probably just a little bit of a weight off your shoulders, right, and knowing that you were able to play. There wasn't that constant question of, 'Are you going to be able to do this? Are you going to be able to play? Are you going to be able to play at that intensity that's required?'”
There is no doubt that Gabriel Landeskog can play. The only question remaining is if he can play a full season. If he can suit up for roughly 70 games this season, the Avalanche faithful will see it as a successful campaign.
Landeskog a full-go for Colorado Avalanche this season
If there was any question regarding the team’s approach regarding Landeskog, coach Jared Bednar put that uncertainty to rest.
Bednar was quoted by NHL.com as follows:
"He's feeling great, so he'll be full-go, and I think we just have to monitor that and make our decisions like in the moment.”
Those words paint an encouraging picture of Landeskog’s upcoming season. The Colorado Avalanche won’t necessarily proceed with caution unless it’s warranted. As such, Bednar added:
"I'm not going to limit his minutes. I'm not going to sit him out games when he's feeling good or take practices off when he's feeling good. If at any point he comes to me, just like any other player, and he's fatigued or he's not feeling like he's ready to practice for whatever reason, then we'll play cautiously."
Ultimately, the Avalanche looked poised for a full season from their captain. His inspirational leadership will be crucial as the club looks to get back to the Stanley Cup Final. This season could be as good as many to make a push for a second Cup in four seasons.