The Colorado Avalanche head into somewhat of an unusual season in 2025-26. The Avs have their captain back in the fold for what looks like a full season. That’s an enormous change from what the team has endured over the last three seasons or so.
With Gabe Landeskog back in the fold, the team has a bona fide top-six winger, while also having their heart and soul back in the mix.
But that situation also implies something interesting. As Landeskog goes, so will the Avalanche. If Landeskog has a healthy, productive season, that attitude will rub off on the team. Players like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar won’t feel the full pressure of leading the team on their shoulders.
Having Gabe Landeskog back in the lineup full time gives the team a shot in arm similar to the one they got in last season’s playoffs. The boost nearly led the Colorado Avalanche to knock off the Dallas Stars.
Unfortunately, hockey is a game of inches and lucky bounces. The Avs, unfortunately, missed one bounce here and there, leading to their first-round elimination.
Moving forward, the Avalanche will have Landeskog’s inspirational example paving the way. That’s why Colorado could have the sort of regular season that might leave other teams grasping at straws.
Colorado Avalanche should have measured approach with Landeskog
The Colorado Avalanche must ensure a measured approach with Gabe Landeskog. Sure, he looks like a beast upon returning from his roughly three-year hiatus. But then again, there’s no telling how well his knee will hold up to the rigors of a full NHL season.
That’s why having a measure approach is crucial in ensuring that Landeskog remains a critical team member. That measured approach could mean whittling his ice time at times. It could also mean giving him days off here and there.
Expecting Landeskog to play all 82 games averaging 20+ minutes of ice time per game is a bit of a pipe dream. If anything, 70+ games could represent a huge success. Anything over 15 minutes of ice per night could be a solid step forward.
The key thing to keep in mind is that Landeskog will hopefully get stronger as the season wears on. So, if he doesn’t play 20 minutes a night early in the season, it could mean that mid-year, the Avalanche captain could be humming like a V8 engine.
At the end of the day, the Avalanche’s success will depend on their captain’s healthy and wellbeing. A solid season could represent the difference between another Stanley Cup and an early playoff exit.